Helldivers 2 Director comments on monetization of in-game content
(Image source: Arrowhead Game Studios)
Helldivers 2 is a new third-person shooter that came out on February 8th. Even though the game had to overcome some hurdles at the beginning, it was still able to build a decent player base. Because of the ability to purchase in-game content with real money, some are now accusing the game of being pay-to-win. Now the game director, Johan Pilestedt, has clearly commented on this accusation.
Helldivers 2 Director makes an announcement
Pay-to-win is pretty much hated by all gamers. Some players expressed concerns in critical reviews about the supposed pay-to-win model that is supposedly behind the so-called Warbonds, which are comparable to a Battle Pass. Johan Pilestedt has now responded indirectly to these allegations on Twitter/X.
He emphasized that the development team attaches great importance to not integrating any pay-to-win content into the game. The only "win" that can be made with a purchased revolver is in a "cool gun" competition. The revolver itself is nothing special in terms of gameplay. In a later reply tweet, he continued: "You have to earn the right to monetize game content." In doing so, he is clearly taking a stand against some players' accusations against Helldivers 2.
If you take a closer look at the Warbonds system, it becomes obvious that there can hardly be any talk of pay-to-win. The in-game currency, Super Credits, opens access to Warbonds, which would normally require game time. Super Credits can be earned not only through real money, but also through achievements.
However, you cannot unlock Warbond rewards with Super Credits. You need medals for this, which you also collect while playing. If you have already completed tasks before unlocking Warbond, you can save the medals until access is free. You can't buy progress in the game with Super Credits!
Coolly, unlike other games where a new Battle Pass replaces the old one, the Warbonds always stay at the start. This means you have no time pressure to complete the Battle Pass within a certain period of time.
Clearly, there are legitimate criticisms of the launch of Helldivers 2, such as server problems or MMR bugs. But now Realktalk, the monetization and the extra content are not really one of these problems.
