Helldivers 2 developers have unveiled a 60-day plan to address community concerns following the recent Escalation of Freedom update, which has stirred up dissatisfaction among players.
In a statement posted on Tuesday in the subreddit, game director Mikael Eriksson from Arrowhead Game Studios acknowledges the missteps in the latest update. The community’s negative feedback focuses on changes like the nerf to fire weapons, such as the Breaker Incendiary and FLAM-40 flamethrower, which no longer penetrate charger terminids’ hides.
Many players view these complaints as reflective of broader issues in Arrowhead’s development strategy, emphasizing weapon balance for less-popular weapons over creating engaging gameplay experiences.
Eriksson outlined a 60-day action plan to address player feedback, spanning from fundamental adjustments in weapon balance to specific fixes related to the Escalation of Freedom update, including fire damage, frame rate performance, and charger fixes. Arrowhead also aims to prioritize bug fixes that impact gameplay.
The developers emphasize the importance of “fun” in gameplay balance and engagement. They aim to make combat more enjoyable by reconsidering their approach to game balance and weapon design.
Looking towards the future, Arrowhead plans to establish an opt-in beta testing environment, enhance communication with players through blog posts and surveys, and ensure transparency in their development decisions.
Despite recent defensive responses from Arrowhead developers like CEO Shams Jorjani, addressing player concerns, the community’s discontent has been ongoing, with complaints about changes that diminish the fun factor in the game.
