Helldivers 2 Creative Director Dreams of Epic Crossovers, But Prioritizes Game's Identity
Johan Pilestedt, creative director of Helldivers 2, recently revealed his wish list for potential game crossovers, sparking excitement among fans. While he's expressed enthusiasm for collaborations with iconic franchises like Starship Troopers, Terminator, Warhammer 40,000, Alien, Predator, Star Wars, and even Blade Runner, he's also emphasized the importance of maintaining the game's unique satirical, militaristic tone.
The discussion began with a playful exchange on Twitter regarding a crossover with the tabletop game, Trench Crusade. While initially enthusiastic, Pilestedt later cautioned that numerous challenges exist in realizing such collaborations. He clarified that his dream crossover list represented personal preferences rather than concrete development plans.
Pilestedt acknowledges the popularity of crossovers in live-service games, but he's wary of diluting Helldivers 2's identity. He believes that incorporating too many crossovers could compromise the game's distinct atmosphere. While open to both large-scale and smaller crossover elements (like individual weapons or character skins), he stresses that no decisions have been finalized.
Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach is appreciated by many, contrasting with the trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with excessive crossover content that sometimes clashes with the core game experience. Pilestedt's prioritization of Helldivers 2's cohesive universe is a refreshing change.
The ultimate decision on whether or not to incorporate crossovers rests with the developers. While the potential for exciting collaborations exists, the focus remains on preserving the integrity of Helldivers 2's unique world. Whether Super Earth soldiers will one day battle Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator remains to be seen.