(Image credit: Sony)
Helldivers 2 made a splash with its release last February, enjoying initial success. However, like many major online releases today, it encountered turbulence, leading it into a dramatic nosedive after changes that didn’t sit well with fans. As highlighted by PC Gamer, big adjustments often lead to big reactions.
The primary source of discontent was a controversial requirement for players on PC to log in via a PlayStation Network account. Faced with a unified and powerful backlash, Sony reversed this decision just three days later. Then-Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt praised the strong resolve of the Helldivers community, a testament to the communication between gamers and developers.
This wasn’t the sole issue; balance changes and a perceived stagnation in fresh content updates also caused a decline. At its most dismal point, the game received a mere 19% user score on Steam, underscoring player dissatisfaction. TechCrunch discusses how resilience and strategic updates can revitalize gaming projects.
In a conversation with The Game Business, Shams Jorjani, now the CEO of Arrowhead, shared insights on guiding the studio through what he described as a “summer of pain.” He candidly noted, “Games that get 19% user score do not generally recover,” admitting it was a challenging period as he explained to Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hermen Hulst that there were no short-term fixes, but long-term strategies were in place to turn the tide.
Arrowhead initiated a comprehensive 60-day plan to restore the game’s standing, launching substantial updates that addressed gameplay mechanics such as grenade and sentry enhancements alongside introducing delayed features like anti-tank mines. Thanks to these efforts, Helldivers 2 has seen a rebound, now boasting 76% positive reviews on Steam, with the studio’s atmosphere significantly improved as reported by IGN.
Jorjani expressed admiration for No Man’s Sky and their team, noting, “They went through a similar path, initially stumbling but then diligently updating their game to success,” which served as an inspiration for Helldivers 2’s recovery plan. Helldivers 2’s head also revealed a key design insight that contributed to the game’s eventual triumph: “This works, I think we’re gonna be rich someday,” reinforcing the importance of perseverance and innovative thinking within the gaming industry.