In recent years, there have been frequent heated discussions about so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (often abbreviated to DEI) in the gaming world, with some claiming that it is enforced so harshly that ‘it hurts the entertainment value, with others saying it’s just common sense.
Now, Johan Pilestedt, head of Arrowhead and creative director of Helldivers II, has joined the discussion in an “working on the high concept”. After a player asked him how DEI could have benefited Helldivers II, Pilestedt responded that he didn’t like labels, but still gave a strange example:
“But humanity is united in its extreme xenophobia on Super Earth. #Inclusion then, maybe it’s DEI?”
However, he goes on to state that this is not something he cares about, but that he thinks the focus should be solely on developing good games:
“I really don’t care. Make good games, don’t make a contemporary political statement.”
In the same thread, he also writes to another person that anything that doesn’t contribute to a better game makes it worse. What is your position on the subject and what do you hope for from Arrowhead’s next project?
