Arrowhead Game Studios is reevaluating its use of the controversial anti-cheat software, GameGuard, in its recently released title, Helldivers 2. Following a wave of player complaints regarding the software’s invasive nature, CEO Shams Jorjani indicated on Discord that the studio is “looking into” alternatives. Jorjani’s acknowledgment of player concerns comes after he previously dismissed these issues, stating that the studio had seen “no evidence” of GameGuard affecting game performance.
Jorjani responded to a player’s inquiry about possible alternatives to GameGuard by saying, “I hear ya. We’re looking into it. Let’s just get this patch out and then tackle this other hydra head.” While there is no confirmed timeline for when or if a replacement for GameGuard will be implemented, the studio’s willingness to engage with its community marks a notable shift in policy.
Controversy Surrounding GameGuard
The decision to implement GameGuard was met with immediate backlash from the gaming community. This anti-cheat software is known for its kernel-level access, which has raised concerns about data integrity and potential performance issues. In a statement released in February 2024, Peter Lindgren, Technical Director for Helldivers 2, defended the use of GameGuard. He argued that kernel-level anti-cheat solutions are among the most effective methods to combat cheating, asserting that “GameGuard is only active while the game is running” and that extensive testing had shown “no noteworthy degradations of performance.”
Lindgren also cited a previous issue in Helldivers 1, where cheating led to non-cheating players receiving unintended rewards, ultimately ruining their progression. He emphasized the need for a robust anti-cheat measure to prevent similar situations in the sequel.
Despite Arrowhead’s previous staunch defense of GameGuard, the studio’s current exploration of alternative solutions has been positively received on platforms like Reddit. Players are expressing cautious optimism, though there remains skepticism about whether the studio will take meaningful action or if this is merely a public relations maneuver to quell ongoing criticism.
Future Game Updates and Development Plans
Before any changes to GameGuard can be made, Arrowhead is focused on rolling out the next update for Helldivers 2. Jorjani mentioned that the studio is “busting ass” to deliver the update as soon as possible, although they have already missed their planned mid-October release date. Additionally, Arrowhead is working on reducing the game’s file size on PC, aiming to enhance performance while delaying new content until these issues are resolved.
As the studio navigates these challenges, it is also planning for future projects, having recently shared the first official details about its next game. The balance of addressing community concerns while continuing development efforts poses a significant challenge for Arrowhead, but their responsiveness to player feedback marks a potentially positive step forward in maintaining community trust.
