Helldivers 2's creative director, Johan Pilestedt, recently revealed his dream crossovers for the game, sparking excitement among fans. His wish list includes iconic franchises like Starship Troopers, Terminator, and Warhammer 40,000, a sentiment initially expressed after praising the tabletop game, Trench Crusade, and suggesting a potential collaboration.
While Pilestedt's enthusiasm is palpable, he acknowledges the challenges involved. He later clarified that these were merely "fun musings," emphasizing that incorporating too many crossovers – such as Alien, Predator, Star Wars, and Blade Runner – could dilute Helldivers 2's unique satirical, militaristic identity. He fears an overabundance of collaborations would result in a game that feels less like Helldivers.
The allure of crossovers in live-service games is undeniable, and Helldivers 2, with its intense alien battles, seems perfectly poised for such partnerships. However, Pilestedt prioritizes maintaining the game's cohesive universe and tone. He's open to smaller crossover elements, like individual weapons or character skins acquired via Warbonds, but stresses these remain personal preferences, with no concrete plans currently in place.
Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach is commendable, contrasting with the trend of live-service games often overwhelming their original settings with excessive crossover content. Pilestedt's deliberate stance ensures Helldivers 2's distinct identity remains paramount. The ultimate decision on crossovers rests with the developers, leaving the possibility of Helldivers soldiers battling Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator an intriguing, albeit potentially disruptive, prospect.
