The head developer of Helldivers 2 talks about politics in video games and believes that it must contribute positively to the gaming experience.
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How did the topic come about? At the end of 2024, Pilestedt asked on X.com what expectations and wishes his followers had for the development studio’s next game. A short conversation about politics in games followed.
One user wished that the development studio should never integrate “DEI” into their games. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The abbreviation describes a philosophy in which justice and participation for everyone are at the forefront.
In recent times, however, a culture war of sorts has developed around the acronym, with certain circles blaming the pursuit of equity and inclusion for the “dying” of video games.
Politics should contribute to the gaming experience
What does Pilestedt say about politics in games? Pilestedt explained in his response: “If it doesn’t add anything to the gaming experience, it’s annoying (via X).” Instead, games should strive for “amazing moments.”
In another comment, Pilestedt added: “I don’t like drawers. But humanity is united in its extreme xenophobia on Super Earth. So #Inclusion, maybe that’s DEI? I really don’t care. Make good games, not contemporary political statements (via X).”
Does that make him anti-DEI? No, even if some opinion leaders now put it that way, Pilestedt has not fundamentally spoken out against such elements in video games as long as they contribute to the gaming experience. In any case, the definition of what actually falls under DEI is not entirely clear.
He seems to be particularly bothered by being given a label. Nevertheless, his statement is interpreted in exactly the same way by many, while others find it “weird” that the boss now appears to be 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 it fits the gaming experience and is not distracting.
Helldivers 2 itself contains a lot of political satire and, for many players, has the motto: It doesn’t matter who fights next to me against robots, beetles or the new aliens, as long as we do our best together for Over-Earth. In addition, freedom and democracy are constantly praised in Helldivers 2 – so it is certainly political, but appropriate to the context of the game.
Overall, the political satire of Helldivers 2 has been 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 and is now giving you free weapons as compensation