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. His initial tweet praising the tabletop game Trench Crusade led to discussions about a possible collaboration, though Pilestedt later cautioned about the challenges involved.

While initially enthusiastic about the Trench Crusade crossover, and later mentioning other dream collaborations including Starship Troopers, Terminator, Warhammer 40,000, Alien, Predator, Star Wars, and even Blade Runner, Pilestedt emphasized the importance of maintaining Helldivers 2's unique satirical, militaristic tone. He stated that incorporating too many crossovers could dilute the game's identity, resulting in an experience that feels less like Helldivers.

The appeal of crossovers in live-service games is undeniable, and Helldivers 2's intense combat seems ideally suited for such partnerships. However, Pilestedt's comments suggest a deliberate approach, prioritizing the game's core experience over simply adding popular IP for the sake of it. He remains open to smaller collaborations, such as individual weapons or character skins acquired via Warbonds, but stresses these are personal preferences and no decisions have been made.

Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach is commendable, especially given the current trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with excessive crossover content that can clash with the game's original aesthetic. The ultimate decision on whether or not to incorporate crossovers rests with the developers. While the potential for exciting combinations exists – imagine Helldivers facing Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator – maintaining the integrity of Helldivers 2's universe remains paramount.