The gaming community is abuzz with news about Hi-Rez Studios' decision not to port existing skins from the original Smite to the upcoming Smite 2, despite the potential frustration of players who invested in the free-to-play third-person multiplayer online battle arena game since its 2014 launch. The sequel, built on the ground-breaking Unreal Engine 5, is set for an alpha playtest in the spring of 2024. Transitioning from Unreal Engine 3 to 5 is described as a "multi-generational leap," with developers highlighting the prohibitive nature of such a task. Over 1,600 skins are in Smite, and porting them to Smite 2 would require an estimated 246 person-years of work, a feat that developers believe would hinder their ability to deliver an exceptional new game.

To address this, a Legacy Gems system has been introduced, offering Smite 1 players a virtual currency for use in Smite 2 based on their expenditure in the original game. For those loyal to the first installment, Smite 1 will continue to exist independently with ongoing updates. Smite 2 is expected to launch with crossplay capabilities across PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5.

Will Smite 2 have any compensation for Smite 1 players who have purchased skins?

Yes, Smite 2 will offer Legacy Gems as compensation to Smite 1 players, which is a virtual currency that can be spent on content within Smite 2, proportional to the amount they've spent in Smite 1.

For additional context, the first Smite game took the gaming world by storm as a MOBA with a pantheon of gods from various mythologies battling it out in dynamic arenas. Its blend of accessible yet deep strategic gameplay helped it stand out in the MOBA genre, usually dominated by games like League of Legends and Dota 2. Smite's distinguishing feature has always been its third-person perspective, adding an immersive touch to the genre typically experienced from a top-down view. As the gaming landscape evolves with new technology, Smite 2 is poised to redefine the experience with enhanced graphics and performance while maintaining the mythological chaos that fans have cherished.