As 2025 begins, discussions about whether the video game industry leans too heavily toward being “woke” or “anti-woke” continue to heat up. One recent flashpoint involves Helldivers 2, a sci-fi shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios, whose creative director, Johan Pilestedt, addressed a fan’s concerns about incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into future projects.

A Twitter Exchange on DEI

In a Twitter thread, Pilestedt asked fans, “With 10 minutes to 2025, what are your expectations and desires for what the next Arrowhead game will be?” One user replied, “Never add DEI to your games,” prompting Pilestedt to respond: “If it doesn’t add to the game experience, it detracts. And games should be a pure pursuit of amazing moments.”

When the same user asked, “How would DEI have benefited Helldivers 2?” Pilestedt offered a broader perspective:

“I don’t like labels. But mankind is united in its extreme xenophobia on Super Earth. #Inclusion so, maybe that’s DEI? I really don’t care. Make good games, don’t make a contemporary political statement.”

With 10 minutes to 2025. What are your expectations and desires for what the next Arrowhead game will be?

I am working on the high concept, but I would love to hear your speculation. 🥳

— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) December 31, 2024

“Not Woke,” But Still Political?

In 2024, Helldivers 2 was highlighted by some fans as an example of a “not woke” game, largely due to its central premise—players work together as armored soldiers fighting insectoid aliens, echoing Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers. But as Pilestedt points out, the story features an undercurrent of “extreme xenophobia,” a theme at the heart of Starship Troopers’ satirical take on militaristic propaganda.

While Helldivers 2 does not make overt statements on real-world social issues, critics have noted that it nonetheless draws on political themes. They argue that depicting a government deceiving its people for the sake of patriotism could itself be considered a “contemporary political statement.” Others maintain there’s a distinction between weaving political motifs into a storyline and explicitly endorsing modern political viewpoints.

Diversity in Helldivers 2

For those looking for explicit “DEI” content, Helldivers 2 takes a fairly minimalist approach: Male and female soldiers can be chosen, but their features are largely obscured by helmets. The overarching plot remains straightforward—defend Super Earth from alien threats—leaving little room for direct commentary on gender or racial identity.

A Surge in Popularity

Despite ongoing debates, Helldivers 2 has recently seen a major boost in its player base thanks to a post-launch update that introduced a new faction, the Illuminate. These crystal-like adversaries add another layer of challenge and variety, keeping the community engaged as Arrowhead continues to support the game.

Looking Ahead

Pilestedt’s Twitter prompt suggests Arrowhead is gearing up for its next project. Whether or not it integrates overt social themes remains an open question. Pilestedt himself underscores the priority of delivering “amazing moments” first, insisting that developers should not chase political statements for their own sake.

Ultimately, the controversy around Helldivers 2 highlights the broader industry debate. Some gamers want studios to avoid overtly political or socially conscious elements, while others appreciate creative teams that explore more nuanced themes. As 2025 progresses, these discussions are poised to continue shaping the way developers approach storytelling, design, and audience expectations.