Tech billionaire Elon Musk, known for his entrepreneurial ventures and public eccentricities, found himself at the center of controversy during a 90-minute livestream on January 7. Showcasing a high-level character in Path of Exile 2, Musk’s gameplay performance left fans skeptical about whether he had genuinely earned the accolades his character boasted.
The Stream That Sparked Controversy
Musk, streaming on X (formerly Twitter), presented a Path of Exile 2 character at level 95, equipped with rare and powerful items—a feat that typically demands a significant investment of time and expertise. For a game renowned for its steep learning curve and demanding mechanics, the expectation was high for Musk to demonstrate advanced skills. However, what unfolded was far from impressive:
- Basic Mechanics Missteps: Musk struggled with core gameplay elements, including understanding item requirements and utilizing mana flasks effectively.
- Portal Fumbles: He repeatedly attempted to enter portals that were inaccessible.
- Clumsy Execution: The gameplay culminated in a questionable run that left seasoned players cringing.
The disparity between the character’s build and Musk’s performance raised immediate doubts. Fans and players took to forums and social media platforms to dissect the stream, with many questioning whether Musk had actually leveled and equipped the character himself.
A History of Gaming Skepticism
This isn’t the first time Musk’s gaming exploits have come under scrutiny. In November 2024, Musk broke a world record in Diablo 4, an achievement that was later marred by allegations of exploiting in-game bugs. Critics argue that Musk’s gaming ventures often appear staged, designed more for media attention than genuine passion.
Speculation Among Fans
The Path of Exile 2 stream reignited debates on platforms like Reddit, where users speculated that Musk’s character was likely prepared by experienced players rather than by Musk himself. Common sentiments among the gaming community include:
- Time Constraints: Given Musk’s demanding schedule, it seems unlikely he would have the time to grind a character to level 95 in such a complex game.
- Media Strategy: Musk’s gaming streams are often seen as a strategic move to stay in the public eye, rather than an authentic engagement with the gaming community.
The Gaming Community Reacts
Reddit Threads and Memes
The gaming subreddit exploded with memes and critical posts dissecting Musk’s stream. Some highlights included:
- “Elon in Hardcore Mode?”: Jokes about how Musk’s gameplay would fare in the more punishing Hardcore mode of the game.
- Comparisons to AI Bots: Fans mocked Musk’s struggles by comparing his playstyle to that of AI-controlled beginner bots.
Not All Negative
While many were quick to criticize, others noted that Musk’s attempt to engage with a notoriously hardcore gaming community could bring more visibility to Path of Exile 2. Some argued that regardless of his skill level, the attention Musk brings to indie or niche games is a net positive for the industry.
A Pattern of Publicity Gaming
Musk’s involvement in the gaming world often walks a fine line between genuine interest and calculated media stunts. Here’s a look at his past controversies:
- Diablo 4 World Record (2024): Musk faced backlash for allegedly exploiting in-game bugs to achieve an impressive record.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (2020): Musk, a vocal supporter of the game, received criticism for using his platform to hype a game that launched with significant bugs and issues.
- Overwatch (2019): During a casual stream, Musk’s below-average gameplay led to memes about him “playing in bronze.”
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s Path of Exile 2 stream showcased more than just his character’s level and equipment—it highlighted a disconnect between his public persona as a gaming enthusiast and his actual gameplay skills. While his streams generate buzz and bring attention to the games he features, they also spark skepticism about his authenticity as a gamer.
As the gaming community continues to debate Musk’s motivations, one thing remains clear: his ventures into the world of gaming, whether genuine or strategic, are unlikely to go unnoticed.
