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oh Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead’s CCO and longtime figurehead Johan Pilestedt tweeted that his philosophy is to “make good games, not make modern political statements.” You know that’s a little weird to say when a lot of games — Helldivers 2, for example — manage to easily be good and explore political themes by their very nature.
This line from Pilestedt came during a conversation with fans about politics and “DEI” – the latter being the diversity and inclusion of Internet idiots who think Fight Club is just a club for fights, rather than believing that any subtext destroys everything. today – in the games. As you can imagine, clever points were made.
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The thread started off well, with Pilestedt ending 2024 by asking people what their “expectations and wishes” were for Arrowhead’s next game. Of course, since this is the site formerly known as Twitter dot com, one user responded: “Never add DEI to your games.”
“If it doesn’t add to the gaming experience, it detracts from it. And games should chase the amazing moments,” Pilestedt replied to this person. “How would DEI benefit from Helldivers 2?” another user later asked the developer.
“I don’t like labels. But humanity is united in its extreme xenophobia on Super Earth,” Pilestedt replied: “#Inclusion, maybe it’s DEI? I don’t really care. Make good games, don’t make a modern political statement.”
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I understood. Just good games and nothing resembling a modern political statement or point. For curiosity’s sake, let’s take a look at the new Major Order Helldivers 2 players in the ongoing war against The Illuminate.
“The Enlighteners have been forced to pay a heavy price for their relentless campaign of terror,” it says, “The Infernals have foreshadowed what’s to come if they choose to continue their aggression, killing most of the bloodthirsty alien species.
“However, the greatest casualty of the Illuminate terror campaign has been the sense of security of our citizens. To restore the security of our citizens, the Government of Super Earth unanimously voted to enact the Freedom and Readiness to Allow Effective Defense and Mind Blocking Act. 2184 Impact Act or LIBERTY Act.
“The Helldivers have been tasked with securing Mastia to facilitate the construction of the new Center. Only then will our citizens feel safe.”
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What is that LIBERTY Act about, you ask? Well, it would “create a new security force dedicated to enforcing loyalty and give them the power to find and prosecute mind influence, dissidence and other serious crimes to bring to light”. No, there is nothing political here. Still, nothing about treating minorities and people of diverse gender identities as real people—which is exactly what worries many anti-DEI.
It’s disappointing to see Pilestedt sitting here and pulling some fences, even if his comments mean the game won’t be drawing on any of today’s important titles and key issues for direct inspiration – that seems like the most diplomatic way to go. you could read them.
Afraid that one of your games might be something vaguely diverse or inclusive? If so, please take a long, hard look in the mirror and maybe think about how other people feel for once in your life.