The lead developer of Helldivers 2 talks about politics in video games and believes it must contribute positively to the player experience.
Who is it about?
- Johan Pilestedt is the Creative Director of Helldiver 2 and the CCO of Arrowhead Games, the development studio behind the successful co-op shooter.
- Until May 22, Pilestedt was the CEO of the studio, but he demoted himself because he wanted to be more involved in development.
- Pilestedt communicates a lot with the community and often shares insights into the development and thought processes behind Helldivers 2.
How did the topic arise? At the end of 2024, Pilestedt asked on X.com what expectations and wishes his followers had for the next game from the developer studio. This led to a brief discussion about politics in games.
A user wished that the developer studio should never integrate “DEI” into their games. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which in German translates to: Vielfalt, Chancengleichheit und Inklusion. The abbreviation refers to a philosophy where justice and participation for all are in the forefront.
However, in recent times, a kind of culture war has developed around the abbreviation, and certain circles blame the pursuit of equality and inclusion for the “death” of video games.
Politics should contribute to the player experience
What does Pilestedt say about politics in games? Pilestedt explained in his response: “If it doesn’t contribute to the player experience, it distracts (via X).” Instead, games should aim for “amazing moments.”
In another comment, Pilestedt added: “I don’t like boxes. But humanity is united in its extreme xenophobia on Super Earth. #Inclusion so, maybe that is DEI? I really don’t care. Make good games, not contemporary political statements (via X).”
Is he anti-DEI? No, even though some opinion leaders may portray it that way now, Pilestedt has not fundamentally opposed such elements in video games, as long as they contribute to the player experience. Anyway, the definition of what actually falls under DEI isn’t exactly clear.
He seems particularly bothered by being labeled. Nevertheless, many interpret his statement this way, while others find it “strange” that the boss now seemingly stands in solidarity with the very people who heavily criticized his team not long ago (via X).
Do Pilestedt’s statements fit with Helldivers? Pilestedt is not fundamentally against political statements or diversity in games, but it is important to him that they fit the player experience and are not distracting.
Helldivers 2 itself contains a lot of political satire and carries the motto for many players: It doesn’t matter who fights beside me against robots, bugs, or the new aliens, as long as we do our best together for Super Earth. In addition, Helldivers 2 consistently promotes freedom and democracy – it is therefore quite political, but fitting for the context of the game.
Overall, the political satire of Helldivers 2 is very well received by the community – unlike the pricing policy of a new collaboration. The developers received a lot of criticism for the new bundle and then apologized with compensation: Helldivers 2 disappointed players with a new €20 bundle, now offering you a free weapon as compensation
