The Struggle of Maintaining a Live Service Game: A Story of Burnout

Arrowhead Studios’ former lead writer, Russ Nickel, recently opened up about his experience working on the live service game Helldivers 2. The game’s success in retaining players for longer periods can be attributed to the team’s dedication to responding to player feedback and engagement. This constant need to adapt and evolve the game’s narrative based on community interactions can take a toll on the developers, leading to burnout.

Nickel admitted that he pushed himself too hard in an effort to make Helldivers 2 perfect. This pursuit of perfection came at a cost – he neglected his personal relationships, sacrificed sleep, and ultimately burned out. The pressure to meet player expectations, deliver timely updates, and maintain a cohesive narrative can be overwhelming for those working on live service games.

The desire to create a flawless gaming experience can drive developers to extremes, as seen in Nickel’s case. The constant need for innovation and adaptation to player demands can lead to a cycle of never-ending work and self-imposed expectations. In the pursuit of perfection, developers may neglect their own well-being and mental health, ultimately leading to burnout and exhaustion.

Nickel’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others working in the gaming industry, especially on live service games. It is essential to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and seek support when feeling overwhelmed. The pressure to constantly update and maintain a game can be relentless, but it is important to recognize when the pursuit of perfection is taking a toll on one’s mental health.

The story of Russ Nickel’s burnout while working on Helldivers 2 sheds light on the challenges faced by developers of live service games. The pressure to continuously evolve the game, meet player expectations, and maintain a cohesive narrative can lead to burnout and exhaustion if not managed properly. It is crucial for developers to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed to avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism.