A recent controversy surrounding the co-op shooter Helldivers 2 has brought to light the importance of gun balancing in videogames. The issue arose when Sony required Steam players to have a PSN account for security reasons, leading to the blocking of players in regions where PSN wasn’t available. After facing backlash for this decision, Sony eventually walked back the requirement, but certain regions still remained unable to access the game on Steam.
Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead, the developers of Helldivers 2, acknowledged the need for reevaluating the game’s gun balancing. He mentioned that the focus on tweaking damage numbers alone may have inadvertently removed the fun from certain aspects of the game. Pilestedt emphasized the importance of considering other factors such as recoil, reload speeds, accuracy, projectile speeds, and equip speeds in gun balancing rather than solely relying on adjusting damage figures.
Pilestedt highlighted the heavy machinegun in Helldivers 2 as a potential candidate for a more substantial rework, proposing the addition of a tripod with an ammo box for team play mechanics. He also addressed concerns regarding the game’s railgun, acknowledging its overpowered nature compared to other stratagems. While defending some of the balancing adjustments, Pilestedt recognized the need for a more holistic approach that takes into account the overall gaming experience.
The balancing process in Helldivers 2 has been a collaborative effort between the developers and the players. Patrik Lasota, head of product testing at Arrowhead, expressed understanding towards players’ reluctance towards “nerfing” guns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the core fantasy and fun factor of the weapons. Pilestedt actively engaged with players’ suggestions for new features in the game, showing an openness to incorporating community feedback into the development process.
As discussions around gun balancing in Helldivers 2 continue, the developers are exploring new features such as customizing the Pelican dropship loadout. This addition reflects the team’s commitment to enhancing the gameplay experience based on player input. The game’s thematic influences, such as Starship Troopers and Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now, further enrich the storytelling and design elements in Helldivers 2.
The ongoing dialogue between players and developers regarding gun balancing in Helldivers 2 highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between gameplay mechanics and player enjoyment. By considering a diverse range of factors beyond just damage numbers, the developers can create a more immersive and satisfying gaming experience for all players. As the gaming industry evolves, the lessons learned from Helldivers 2 serve as valuable insights for future game development endeavors.
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