In the world of gaming, trends change very quickly and no game is safe, one of the biggest examples of 2024 would Palworld and Helldivers 2. Both the games got a huge initial popularity but as the initial hype dies down, developers are now looking to make the game better with regular updates.
However, not many players are sincere about the game dropping in number after the initial release and create memes that often overshadow genuine discussions. Recently both games found themselves at the center of it but the Community Manager at Pocketpair didn’t let the meme pass and replied with a great response.
Palworld’s Community Manager Defense Against the Meme Label
PokectPair’s Palworld initial release captured gamers’ imaginations with its unique premise, a world where players can collect and battle creatures called Pals. The game not only requires players to survive in the somewhat harsh world but also adds a unique layer of complexity.
This unique mix of mechanics and aesthetics quickly captured the attention of the gaming community. This was the same case with Helldivers 2 whose unique narrative and fast-paced cooperative gameplay made quite a stir in the FPS community. However, due to the various controversies and technical issues, the game is facing a decrease in players.
Recently, X user posted Steam stats of both games and showed how they are on a decline. Even said, “Welcome to the Age of Meme-gaming“. This statement didn’t sit well with Pocketpair’s Community manager who asked the user various questions and explained that both games are still in development.
#Palworld vs #Helldivers2 Steam stats.
— Ivica Milarić (@filmzadanas) August 8, 2024
Welcome to the Age of meme-gaming, where you seek to burn bright & strong, but you know you'll burn up fast no matter what.#gamedev pic.twitter.com/HJQlRm00T7
Bucky the manager replied with various questions and asked the user why they thought both the games were memes if many players enjoyed both games initially.
Is Palworld really a meme game though? Is Helldivers? ?
— Bucky | Palworld 🔜 Gamescom (@Bucky_cm) August 8, 2024
Both are "meme" games because…people enjoyed them? They were popular? I don't get it.
Both offer a fun experience that A LOT of people enjoy, and both still enjoy a very healthy player base. Palworld isn't even a live…
This response from Bucky highlights that calling games a “meme” without understanding their full depth or the intent behind their design can be misleading and disrespectful to the developers.
Developer Engage in A Battle of Integrity
This rant from Pocketpair‘s Community manager shows the state of conversation in the gaming community. Nowadays, players judge and discuss new titles without playing the game themselves but only based on the hype or engagement they have garnered.
Then these players name the game as a meme, which often implies that a game’s popularity is only high because it has popularity and follows the current trend but on its capabilities and approach it is taking in the genre.
In the fast-moving gaming industry, one thing is sure: not every game will connect with every player, and that’s okay. The key is to engage with new releases thoughtfully and appreciate the efforts that go into their creation.
In the end, the rant from the developers will serve as a testament to the passion and investment that goes into creating video games.
Have you played both games? Tell us in the comment section below.
