In an era where the term "live service" can often evoke a sense of dread among gamers, Helldivers 2 has emerged as an unlikely paragon of how to execute the traditionally evil concept with integrity and gamer satisfaction in mind.
As outlined by Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt in a conversation with PC Gamer, this is a distinction that highlights the game's commitment to delivering a substantial base experience before introducing optional monetization elements.
The success of Helldivers 2, evident in its record-setting peak player count and its status as one of the most-talked-about games online, is proof of Arrowhead's continued player-first approach.
The key to Helldivers 2 navigating the often murky waters of the live service genre is a clear philosophy: it offers a complete and enriching experience from the onset.