Arrowhead Studios’ CCO Speaks Out Against Forcing ‘DEI’ Into Games

by

As a lifelong gamer and avid follower of the gaming industry, I find myself deeply intrigued by the recent comments made by Johan Pilestedt, Creative Director of Arrowhead Studios, regarding the inclusion of DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) elements in their games. Having grown up playing Helldivers 2, a game that sold millions of copies and provided countless hours of enjoyment, I was thrilled to learn about their upcoming project.

However, Pilestedt’s comments on DEI sparked a debate among the gaming community, which resonated with me as someone who values representation and diversity in video games. While some users praised his transparency, others criticized his stance on adding DEI elements “just to tick a box.” In my opinion, Pilestedt’s approach seems short-sighted; games should not only focus on providing ‘amazing moments’ but also serve as platforms for diverse experiences and perspectives.

As someone who has grown up playing games that featured strong female leads like Ellie in The Last of Us Part II, I can attest to the impact that such characters have had on me and countless other players. The Last of Us Part II was heavily criticized by some, but its success and numerous awards demonstrate that it is possible to create a game that makes contemporary political or cultural statements without compromising quality.

In jest, I’d say that Pilestedt may want to consider playing The Last of Us Part II before making such broad claims about the detriment of games with contemporary political statements. After all, sometimes the pursuit of amazing moments can also lead us to discover new perspectives and appreciate the beauty in diversity.

In a recent social media update, Johan Pilestedt – Arrowhead Studios’ Chief Creative Officer and Helldivers 2’s creative director – disclosed that he’s developing the main idea for their upcoming studio project. Below the post, a conversation ensued about ‘DEI’ (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) and avoiding the practice of forcing it into games unnaturally, or merely to include it.

Feedback on the comments was diverse within the community, as some commended Pilestedt’s openness, but others highlighted certain inconsistencies in his statements.

‘Pure Pursuit of Amazing Moments’

In February 2024, Helldivers 2 captured attention upon its release, eventually selling numerous copies effortlessly. However, it experienced a rough patch due to review-bombing after a PC change necessitated users to possess and connect a PSN account for gameplay. This issue was promptly resolved.

Currently, Arrowhead Studios is putting together a fresh project, with Johan Pilestedt brainstorming ideas for what’s to follow.

In a recent social media update, our Chief Creative Officer openly shared this fact, and sparked a conversation by interacting with the online community. A user boldly asserted, ‘It’s inadvisable to incorporate Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion into our games.’

Instead of passing over the remark, Pilestedt provided strong replies that sparked a flurry of discussions.

If an element doesn’t enhance the gaming experience, it diminishes it. In essence, games are all about capturing extraordinary moments.

Growing up as a mixed-race individual in a small, rural town, I have always been acutely aware of the labels and stereotypes that society assigns to people based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality. It’s something I’ve struggled with throughout my life, but it has also made me more sensitive to the issues of xenophobia and intolerance that exist not just in my town, but across the globe.

I’ve seen firsthand how harmful these labels can be, as they often serve to divide rather than unite us. This is especially true on Super Earth, where extreme xenophobia seems to have become the norm. I believe that this kind of behavior goes against the very essence of what it means to be human – we are all part of one race, the human race, and should strive for inclusion, understanding, and empathy towards one another.

This is why I am a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While I may not always agree with every aspect of these programs, I recognize their importance in fostering a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to challenge our own biases and work towards building a more welcoming world for all. But until that day comes, I will continue to speak out against xenophobia and promote understanding and acceptance wherever I go.

Make good games, don’t make a contemporary political statement.

Some players noted that the entire backdrop of Helldivers 2 carries a political message, whereas others argued that it’s primarily satirical and based on absurdist themes rather than making any serious statements.

From Pilestedt’s perspective, it’s inappropriate to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aspects into a game solely for the sake of compliance. If these elements do not enhance the game’s value, they are actually diminishing it and serve no beneficial purpose. This could potentially disrupt the genuine enjoyment of extraordinary gaming experiences.

The final remark implies that games carrying ‘modern political messages’ are generally of poor quality.

In recent times, The Last of Us Part II has been a video game that received significant backlash on various fronts. This game stands out for its dual lead female characters, one of whom is openly gay, as well as a substantial storyline revolving around a transgender character. These themes drew intense criticism from some players who disliked the incorporation of these elements in the game, labeling it as overly “woke.” This group resorted to review bombing, negatively impacting the game’s ratings.

Since The Last of Us Part II has earned numerous accolades as one of the greatest games ever made, it’s plausible for you to create an impressive game that delivers powerful messages about current political and cultural issues as well.

Read More

2025-01-02 16:48