Helldivers 2 players witnessed an astounding 10 million deaths during the conquest of the planet Mort from the Automatons. In a surprising twist, the galactic Dungeon Master (GM) known as Joel, who oversees the Helldivers 2 campaign, found the chaos “a thing of beauty.”
Community manager Baskinator of Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind Helldivers 2, shared insights into Joel’s reactions to the epic battle on the Helldivers 2 Discord. Responding to a player questioning her posting on her apparent day off, Baskinator revealed Joel’s dedication to the community. Joel reportedly messaged her during the Mort event, describing it as a ‘thing of beauty.’ Baskinator emphasized the significance of having a human GM involved in the campaign rather than an unfeeling computer.
In another comment, Baskinator defended Joel against perceptions that he works against players, stating, “I think it’s unfair of some of the journalist pieces about the GM to say that he’s working against players.” She explained that Joel responds to the natural push/pull of players in certain areas, adjusting challenges based on data readings. This approach, she noted, is akin to a good author challenging the protagonist because of genuine care and a desire for players to have fun.
Helldivers 2, only a few weeks old, has developed a dynamic dialogue between the GM and players. The ongoing push and pull between Super Earth and the Automatons is a testament to the game’s evolving nature. Players are strategizing on a galactic scale, perceiving Joel’s directives as both challenges and concessions. The community is eagerly watching how this interaction progresses post-launch as both players and developers adapt to the game’s operations.
Joel’s role in Helldivers 2 has grown so extensive that he required “emergency” assistance due to the overwhelming workload, emphasizing the human element behind the virtual D&D master. The unique player-GM relationship continues to be a fascinating aspect of Helldivers 2, contributing to the game’s overall appeal and engagement.
