Helldivers 2, the sci-fi shooter game from Arrowhead Studios, has a secret feature that makes it stand out from other games in the genre: a Game Master named Joel who controls the fate of the galaxy.
Who is Joel and what does he do?
Joel is a developer at Arrowhead Studios who has the job title of Game Master. He is responsible for managing the Galactic War, the meta game that connects all the players of Helldivers 2 in a shared campaign against alien invaders. Joel can adjust the difficulty, the rewards, the events, and the story of the war based on the players’ actions and feedback. He can also intervene in unexpected situations, such as when a planet is too easy or too hard to conquer, or when a fan-favorite map is lost to the enemy.
Joel’s role is similar to that of a dungeon master in a tabletop role-playing game, such as Dungeons & Dragons. He creates the scenarios, the challenges, and the surprises for the players, while also reacting to their choices and outcomes. He is the invisible force behind the scenes that makes the game more immersive, dynamic, and fun.
How did the players discover Joel’s existence?
Joel’s existence was revealed by Johan Pilestedt, the CEO of Arrowhead Studios, in an interview with PC Gamer. Pilestedt explained that Joel has a lot of control over the play experience and that he is continuously evolving the game based on what is happening in the war. He also said that there are some things that they want to keep secret because they want to surprise and delight the players.
The Helldivers 2 community reacted to this revelation with curiosity, admiration, and humor. Many players expressed their gratitude and respect for Joel’s work, while others joked about his power and influence over the game. Some even created memes and fan art featuring Joel as a godlike figure or a villain.
What are the benefits of having a Game Master in Helldivers 2?
Having a Game Master in Helldivers 2 adds a layer of depth and variety to the game that would be hard to achieve otherwise. Joel can tailor the game to the players’ preferences and skill levels, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He can also create new content and events that keep the game fresh and exciting, such as introducing new enemies, weapons, or factions. He can also add narrative elements and twists that make the game more engaging and immersive, such as revealing the backstory of the aliens or the secrets of Super Earth.
By having a Game Master, Helldivers 2 becomes more than just a shooter game. It becomes a living, breathing, and evolving world that the players can explore, influence, and shape together. It becomes a game that is constantly changing and surprising, offering new challenges and opportunities for the players. It becomes a game that is truly unique and memorable.
