Cockroaches are the absolute worst, but the flying cockroaches are the devil incarnate – a nightmare of a creature that’s the bane of every living individual. Luckily, in Helldivers 2, the insectoid race, the Terminids, can’t fly, or so we thought.
Just when Helldivers 2 players couldn’t dream of facing off against worse enemies while they spread their unique brand of freedom and liberty, they just did: the Shrieker. Yet, despite the rumors and player testimonies flooding social and forums, Arrowhead Game Studios maintains a humorous stance on their existence, or rather, their non-existence.
Here’s what the brilliantly creative mind of the company’s CEO Johan Pilestedt had to say, “Everyone knows that ‘Bugs can’t fly”, echoing a statement shared by the Ministry of Truth, an in-game propaganda machine.
I've heard rumors of flying bugs in @helldivers2. I want to officially refute such preposterous claims.
Everyone knows that "Bugs can't fly".
And I'm not alone in thinking this. The Ministry of Truth agrees that this is propaganda from bug sympathizers that want to brainwash…
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) March 12, 2024
Since launching last month, Helldivers 2 has created a dynamic battlefield for players by introducing various challenges and enemies. But it’s the moments like the playful denial, which aligns perfectly with the game’s overarching narrative that’s steeped in dark humor and propaganda that has made it stand out in an industry of copycats.
From the player’s initial struggles against bug-infested galaxies to liberating Tien Khan and unlocking mechs for the Galactic War, Arrowhead has kept the Helldivers 2 community engaged with continuous updates and surprise.
The rumored entry of flying Terminids adds to the in-game narrative. The creatures, as reported by players, can take to the skies and dive at breakneck speeds, complicating the Super Earth Federation’s war against three hostile alien species.
Much remains unknown about the Shriekers at this point but Pilestedt’s peddling of in-game propaganda play right into Helldivers 2‘s theme of denial and misinformation, where the government dictates the truth.
This scenario is reminiscent of Frontier Developments’ space sim, Elite Dangerous. In its earlier years, the developers randomly added into the game’s universe without telling players. It led to reports of abductions as well as sightings before the team told everyone the aliens exist and no one knows what they want.
It’s moments like these that can make or break a game like Helldivers 2, which has become a fan-favorite with its unique take on the live service genre. It has already sold well over 5 million copies and has effectively become the blueprint for the on-going live service venture of Sony.
