Helldivers 2 is still going strong with an increasing player base since launch and Arrowhead Game Studios is ecstatic with the game’s future. Players have praised the game for its graphics, stressful but fun combat, and difficult enemies, however, someone from within the ranks of Arrowhead Studios made it even harder than it is after assuming the role of Game Master.
Johan Pilestedt is the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios and has confirmed that one of their employees who goes by Joel acts as the Game Master of Helldivers 2. As Game Master, Joel is the only one who knows all and sees all. He can manipulate the battle to his liking and can either choose to assist players in the Galactic War or give them a massive headache. Recent activities suggest he is turning a new leaf.
Helldivers 2’s Joel Is Not Bad, Just Misunderstood
Players have shared gameplay footage on X of how the mischievous Game Master left them a gift right before leaving and going back to ‘work’. Joel gave them a powerful APC that could help them shift the tide of the fight.
"Joel: Please take this"
WHAT?!!#Helldivers2 #HelldiversII pic.twitter.com/zoOSpd1I57
— Helldivers 2 Media (@Helldiversmedia) March 24, 2024
The Helldivers 2 community is envisioned by Pilestedt to be one of kindness, and maybe Joel has taken it to heart. Instead of terrorizing players by making their matches harder with buffed enemies, he then decided to drop powerful vehicles that would help win their favor and realize he wasn’t that bad.
“I just reciprocated it”: Helldivers 2 CEO Johan Pilestedt’s Fame Has Caused Some Awkward Encounters
Small interactions like this can showcase how thoughtful Arrowhead Studios can be and how they engage with their community. Joel was once considered to be a menace to democracy but there are rare instances when he chooses to be better which should be used to inspire players to also follow his example, and not shoot their allies from behind out of fun.
Arrowhead Developer Is Enjoying His Time As Joel In Helldivers 2
With great power comes great responsibility and Joel is well aware of his capabilities and decides to benefit the war effort. Casually dropping an APC and then leaving is a boss move that only Joel could do, and players may start to see him as an ally rather than a nuisance in combat. It is fitting for a game like Helldivers 2 to assign a Game Master who can oversee and balance the game.
PlayStation has another winner on their hands with the surprising success of Helldivers 2 that not even they or Arrowhead Studios could have ever anticipated that caused server issues due to the overwhelming number of players queuing in for a match. Live service multiplayer games may not have been their area of expertise but they surely know how to give players a run for their money.
Joel initially started as an annoying Game Master but turned a new leaf and showed change is possible by going above and beyond with his small acts of random kindness toward the players of Helldivers 2. Being a Game Master can be a burden but also a gift to the community, and Joel is the perfect example that it is never too late to switch sides.
Are you a fan of Joel’s work in Helldivers 2? Let us know in the comments section below!
