Hello Exiles!

In today's update on the Early Access Announcements forum, Grinding Gear Games dropped a special treat for those who love to peek behind the curtain of game development. This time, the spotlight isn't on Chris Wilson or game balance, but on the unsung hero who gives the monsters of Wraeclast their "bones" and "muscles": John Espiritu, GGG's Lead Rigging Artist.

What is "Rigging"?

If a 3D modeler creates the "skin" of a monster, the Rigging Artist creates the skeleton inside it. They are responsible for how a creature moves, bends, and reacts when you blast it with a fireball.

In the official post, the Community Team used a rather colorful (and cheeky) description that caught everyone's attention:

Interview Highlights

In the video above, John Espiritu breaks down the complex process of rigging. He explains how the team ensures that when players are engaging in high-octane combat, the enemies react physically and realistically. It’s about ensuring that weight, impact, and physics all come together to create that satisfying "crunch" we all love in PoE.

Community Reaction: It's All About the "Jiggle"

The forum thread immediately lit up, but not just because of the technical insights. The community latched onto the Community Team's choice of words: "Jiggle."

Here are some of the best reactions from the thread:

xjjanie: "That was interesting :) Jiggle."

Lyka9029: "this guy rigs"
(A nod to the pop-culture meme, acknowledging John's expertise!)

yunharla3000: "Wishlist for 0.5: we need more jiggle & squeeze sounds :)"

It’s always great to see the community having fun with the devs, even in technical announcements.

Final Thoughts

While we are usually too busy clearing Maps or dodging one-shot mechanics to notice the finer details, it is the work of developers like John Espiritu that makes the combat in Path of Exile feel fluid and responsive.

For those interested in the technical wizardry that brings the horrors of Wraeclast to life, this interview is a must-watch.

Check out the full thread on the official forum!