Elon Musk’s Gaming Prowess Challenged Once Again Amidst "Path of Exile 2" Controversy
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, found himself embroiled in another online debate this week, this time centered around his claimed expertise in the action role-playing game "Path of Exile 2." The controversy ignited after popular Twitch streamer Zach Hoyt, better known as Asmongold, publicly questioned Musk’s purported high ranking in the game’s hardcore mode, sparking a heated exchange between the two. This latest incident adds another chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of Musk’s self-proclaimed gaming skills, which have often been met with skepticism and ridicule within the gaming community.
The controversy began with a video posted by Twitch streamer Quintin Crawford, known as Quin69, showcasing gameplay footage purportedly from Musk’s "Path of Exile 2" account. Crawford’s video highlighted Musk’s surprisingly high ranking within the game’s hardcore mode, a notoriously challenging variant where character death is permanent. Analysis of the gameplay presented in the video raised doubts among viewers, who noted discrepancies between Musk’s playing style and that typically seen from top-tier players. This observation fueled speculation that Musk might be employing someone else to play and level up his account, a practice commonly referred to as "account boosting."
Asmongold seized upon this speculation in his own video, titled "Elon Musk is not getting away with this..," in which he questioned the authenticity of Musk’s gameplay and gaming achievements. While stopping short of explicitly accusing Musk of account boosting, Asmongold expressed skepticism about the billionaire’s claimed skill level, suggesting Musk had no need to fabricate his gaming prowess to gain the respect of the gaming community. This critique, however, drew a swift and sharp rebuke from Musk himself.
Musk responded to Asmongold’s critique on X (formerly Twitter), defending his gaming credentials by referencing past streams he had participated in alongside "the world’s best players." However, instead of directly addressing the specific concerns raised regarding his "Path of Exile 2" ranking, Musk opted to launch a personal attack on Asmongold, claiming the streamer was "NOT good at video games." This assertion was later challenged by a community note added to Musk’s tweet, which highlighted some of Asmongold’s actual gaming accomplishments.
Further escalating the feud, Musk leaked private messages exchanged between himself and Asmongold pertaining to the streamer’s content creation process. In a condescending manner, Musk insinuated that Asmongold needed permission from his "boss" before undertaking any actions – a bizarre claim given that content creators typically employ editors, not the other way around. This act of leaking private conversations was widely criticized, with Asmongold himself expressing his disapproval, stating that while the leaking of his DMs was one thing, Musk’s personal attack on his gaming abilities was "absolutely uncalled for."
This isn’t the first time Musk’s self-proclaimed gaming skills have come under scrutiny. He has previously asserted his status as a top-ranked "Diablo IV" player, even posting a world record speedrun on one of the game’s most challenging levels. He has also claimed to have been among the best players in the classic first-person shooter "Quake." However, these claims have often been met with skepticism, primarily due to the immense time investment required to reach elite levels in such games, a time commitment that many believe Musk, as the CEO of multiple demanding companies, simply does not have.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s gaming prowess highlights a larger pattern of incredulity regarding the billionaire’s claims. Critics point to his often unorthodox gameplay choices and character builds as evidence of a lack of genuine understanding of game mechanics. A prime example of this was the widespread derision Musk received after sharing his unconventional character build in "Elden Ring," prompting many within the gaming community to label him a "fraud."
This skepticism extends to the current "Path of Exile 2" controversy, where commentators like Crawford have emphasized the sheer number of hours required to achieve the high level Musk supposedly attained in the game’s hardcore mode. The gameplay footage presented in Crawford’s video further fuels these doubts, suggesting a disconnect between Musk’s playing style and that of a seasoned "Path of Exile 2" veteran. While Musk has defended his gaming skills in general terms, he has yet to provide a satisfactory explanation for the specific concerns surrounding his performance in "Path of Exile 2."
The ongoing debate about Musk’s gaming abilities ultimately underscores the tension between his public persona as a polymath and the specialized knowledge and dedication required to truly excel in the competitive world of online gaming. While Musk’s passion for video games is undeniable, his tendency towards hyperbole and self-promotion often clashes with the reality of his skill level, leading to continued scrutiny and skepticism from within the gaming community. The latest "Path of Exile 2" incident serves as just another instance in this recurring pattern.
