THE DIRECTOR OF HELLDIVERS 2 FAVORS DIFFICULT GAMES AND REMEMBERS THE ARROWHEAD MOTTO
Difficulty in video games is a topic often discussed among fans and has made a comeback with the release of the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC . In recent days, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree has been the victim of Review Bombing due to its high level of challenge, thus sparking new debates.
And the director of Helldivers II and former CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios , Johan Pilestedt, also spoke on the issue . Responding to a follower who criticized the excessive difficulty of the original Dark Souls , saying that he abandoned it after beating the first bosses because he didn’t feel any kind of satisfaction, Pilestedt replied by claiming that a specific, selected audience must always be “chosen ” to each game, then recalling the motto of Arrowhead Game Studios itself: ” A game for everyone is a game for no one “, the same phrase that stands out on the home of the company’s official website .
The discussion started following a comment by the director himself in favor of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree and the design of its boss fights, arguing that ” good game design arouses emotions more than any other aspect “. Do you agree with Pilestedt’s thoughts or consider it too drastic an opinion? Meanwhile, to stay on the subject of negative reviews, the mantle of Review Bombing is ready to land in Helldivers 2 , with the authors just waiting for the right time to publish it.
THE DIRECTOR OF HELLDIVERS 2 FAVORS DIFFICULT GAMES AND REMEMBERS THE ARROWHEAD MOTTO
The problem with this design philosophy is it only caters to a select audience.
I tried DS1, after defeating the first couple bosses, I realised it wasn’t fun or rewarding. I only felt relief, not accomplished.I stopped playing DS because of this.
— Matt D 🇬🇧 (@Indoor_Carrot) June 24, 2024
Indeed, this 1000% – good game design is evoking emotion more than anything. https://t.co/7lUKtX3mrS
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) June 24, 2024