Last year, the continuous nerfs to several weapons and stratagems in Helldivers 2 ignited a heated debate over game balance both inside and outside the community. Critics wondered why nerfing so-called “overpowered” weapons was necessary in a player-versus-environment game, where only the Terminids, Automatons, and Illuminate really suffer from these imbalances.

In response, Arrowhead Studios launched a 60-day update plan that rolled back many of the nerfs and put fun at the forefront of Helldivers 2. The move was met with enthusiasm from players, and since then, the game has enjoyed a smooth ride, maintaining an impressive daily average of 50,000 concurrent players even a year after its release.

Prioritizing Fun Over Perfection

Johan Pilestedt, the director of Helldivers 2 and former CEO of Arrowhead, has clearly embraced this fresh approach to game design. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Pilestedt shared his views on the overemphasis on game balance in the industry.

“Balance is a myth. Fun first, balance later,” he explained. He argued that too many developers get hung up on perfect balance, when in reality, balance only accounts for about 5% of game development. According to Pilestedt, focusing on balance too early in the process risks turning a game into a bland, overly polished product that lacks the spark of real, chaotic fun.

He went on to say that game design is about crafting an experience. “If you smooth out all the chaos in your game, you end up with something that doesn’t feel alive,” Pilestedt noted.

While his approach fits well within the context of a player-versus-environment game like Helldivers 2, where the chaos and unpredictability contribute to the overall enjoyment, the stakes can be different in player-versus-player scenarios. In those cases, a single overpowered strategy can spoil the fun for one player while giving another an unfair advantage. Moreover, a variety of viable strategies is crucial in any game to prevent the meta from stagnating.

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Looking Ahead

After weathering a rocky first year, Helldivers 2 is positioned to be a lasting live-service game. The focus on fun over strict balance has not only kept the community engaged but also ensured that the game remains dynamic and entertaining. As the title continues to evolve, players can look forward to a gaming experience where creativity and chaos are celebrated, while the essential elements of balance are handled with care to maintain variety and fairness.

In the end, Pilestedt’s philosophy reminds us that while balance might polish a game, it is the raw, unfiltered experience that truly captivates players.