Helldivers 2 was caught in a web of controversy after Sony mandated players on PC to link their Steam accounts with PlayStation Network. The player base was unhappy and redirected the hate to the developers and the community manager, Spitz, snapped.
Players often forget that developers are human just like themselves, and not everyone has the same level of patience. The downfall of Spitz came by his own hand, as he encouraged the community to turn against the game. Now, fans hope the same will happen to another developer.
Helldivers 2 Fans Hope Spitz Is Not the Only Developer Fired
It is a normal reaction to be upset about being blamed for something that isn’t your fault. In this instance, the developers were used as scapegoats by Sony and were left to defend against the community’s hate. Spitz had a meltdown on the official Discord server and suggested that if fans want to reverse the decision, they should strike the review scores where it hurts most.
Although the tactic was successful, the suggestion was the cause of his termination and fans are hoping the same will happen to Katherine Baskin, also known as Baskinator, a fellow community manager. Baskin has a history of controversial takes and some are suggesting she saved her skin by throwing her coworker under the bus. One user writes:
Its not a win until @baskinator is fired next for doing ten times worse things than Spitz ever did. https://t.co/jOjZkOrNvJ
— Hypnotic (@RealHypnotic1) May 7, 2024
The former community manager, Spitz, was able to help resolve the situation and calm the community by giving them information. Providing the fans with constant updates was reassuring for fans that a solution was on the way.
Good statements from Spitz in the #Helldivers community discord. I'm waiting to see what @Sony responds with. This entire situation didn't need to happen and leaves a black eye on Sony as a publisher.https://t.co/hnPUqL3oAm
— Pirate Software (@PirateSoftware) May 4, 2024
This entire debacle may not have happened if Baskinator had been more responsible and accountable. She knew what would happen and seemingly failed to orient her team before sending them out to face the wolves.
It’s Not PlayStation, Arrowhead, or the Players, but the Helldivers 2 Controversy Does Have 1 Winner
The game director knew the backlash he and his studio would face for something they don’t have control over, which is an unfortunate ordeal. Arrowhead Game Studios is the victim just as much as the gaming community, but there are still some guilty souls lurking within.
Developers Should Learn From the PR fiasco of Helldivers 2
Game developers need to hire personnel based on their specific skills and expertise rather than personal opinions. The gaming industry is highly competitive, and each game requires a unique set of skills to develop.
Hiring employees based on personal opinions rather than their skill sets can lead to ineffective game development and poor game performance. The players are now in the midst of the restoration effort to undo the damages made by the negative review scores as they wait for the game to return to its former glory.
This whole situation could have been avoided if the community managers had been briefed accordingly, and given the PR training necessary to combat this controversy. Although Sony retracted its initial mandate, the damage has already been done and Arrowhead Game Studios can take this as a learning experience for future problems.
Do you think Baskinator should be fired after the Helldivers 2 fiasco? Let us know in the comments section below!
