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Comments on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) made by the CCO of Hell Divers 2 It caused a huge uproar. Johan Billstedt to Arrowhead game studios He was responding to a fan on X when he made the statement in question, which rubbed some players the wrong way.
What Helldivers 2 developer Johan Pilestedt had to say about DEI
When one fan suggested that Arrowhead should “never” support DEI, Pilestedt opined that anything that “doesn’t add to the game experience” should be excluded from games. “If it doesn’t add to the game experience, it detracts,” Pilestedt tweeted. “Gaming should be a pure pursuit of amazing moments.”
In a follow-up tweet, Pilestedt was asked how DEI would benefit Helldivers 2, and he said:
While many thought Bilstedt’s statement made sense because “forced diversity” is not a positive addition to gaming, some saw his comments as deliberately provocative and anti-DEI. Others believe Pilestedt would have been better off not responding to the initial tweet.
“Being aware and inclusive is a positive thing, and only adds (to the game).” wrote one player. Another wrote: “I would like to be charitable, but there was nothing the man could say.” “I don’t think he’s saying it never adds to the game experience, he just does it when it’s forced,” a third said.
Pilestedt did not provide clarification or respond to any further comments about DEI.
