In 2011, Arrowhead Game Studios, an independent Swedish developer, released Magicka, a game centered around a group of wizards going on an adventure in a fantastical world full of stereotypical fantasy tropes. The game allowed players to combine different elements using their QWERTY keys to create various spells (for instance, combining water and fire would result in steam. Players used these spells to solve puzzles and defeat enemies while also being cautious about friendly fire incidents, as there were no safeguards to prevent such mishaps. The game was well received by the gaming community for its unique blend of fun and challenging elements.
Four years later, Arrowhead released a new game called Helldivers, which took place in a fictional Super Earth setting where brave soldiers (the titular Helldivers) were sent to different planets to ‘liberate’ them and ‘spread democracy.’ The game was heavily inspired by Starship Troopers but added an even greater amount of satire. Helldivers featured a top-down view, cooperative play, and accidental friendly fire – all reminiscent of Magicka. Players used their arrow keys to input combinations mid-combat for resupplies or ordnance while combatting hordes of enemies for democracy. Helldivers became a niche hit among gamers who praised its satirical setting and engaging gameplay.
In February 2024, Arrowhead released the much-anticipated sequel, Helldivers 2. This new installment turned everything up to eleven with an exaggerated propaganda intro and a setting that parodied the current American fascination with war and conquest in the name of preserving ‘freedom’ and a ‘way of life.’ The game broke records upon launch, selling 12 million copies within its first 12 weeks. The number of active players was so high that it often overwhelmed the servers, requiring Arrowhead to implement measures to ensure stability for gamers.
However, controversy soon followed when Sony, the game’s distributor, mandated that Helldivers 2 would only be available in countries where the platform had a presence. This move left many players unable to access the game despite having already purchased it, leading to widespread outrage and negative reviews. After several days of back-and-forth between Arrowhead, Sony, and gamers, Sony reversed its decision, but the situation had taken a toll on the game’s reputation.
During summer, player numbers stabilized, but some players began expressing dissatisfaction with changes made to the in-game balance of weapons and enemies through patch updates. This frustration led to the CEO of Arrowhead stepping down into another role within the company so he could focus on steering the direction of the game’s development.
Despite its initial success, Helldivers 2 struggled to maintain momentum, and many believe that it missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become an enduring gaming phenomenon. The game had all the elements for potential greatness – a universal setting, a creative fanbase, and engaging gameplay – but ultimately failed to live up to its potential. Arrowhead still has the chance to turn things around and create a niche hit that can last for years to come.