LGBTQ+ Helldivers 2 players complain of rampant and ‘surreal’ in-game toxicity
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The widely popular new sci-fi shoot-em-up game, Helldivers 2, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release on 8 February. However, amidst its success, some LGBTQ+ players have raised concerns about the game’s content and the toxic behavior they have experienced while playing.
In Helldivers 2, players are immersed in a dystopian world controlled by an authoritarian government known as Super Earth. The game involves elite shock troops being deployed to reclaim colonized planets from escaped bug-like creatures called Terminids. The game’s narrative and propaganda-style military recruitment videos have drawn comparisons to the 1997 sci-fi film Starship Troopers.
Despite the game’s satirical approach, LGBTQ+ players have expressed discomfort with the fascist undertones present in Helldivers 2. Reports of toxic player interactions and targeted harassment towards LGBTQ+ individuals have surfaced, leading to a backlash within the gaming community.
One player shared her experience of facing hate speech and harassment after advocating for Pride flag capes to be added to the game. She received derogatory messages and slurs, prompting her to change her profile picture to the trans flag in protest. However, her actions led to further harassment and a temporary ban from the official Helldivers 2 Discord forum.
Several LGBTQ+ gamers have spoken out about the discriminatory behavior they have encountered within the game’s community. Reports of racist and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments being prevalent on the official Discord forum have raised concerns about the overall inclusivity of the gaming environment.
In addition to the toxic interactions on Discord, LGBTQ+ players have highlighted issues within the gameplay itself. The ease of “griefing” – intentionally disrupting gameplay to spoil others’ enjoyment – has been a major point of contention. Friendly fire mechanics allow players to harm their teammates, leading to instances of repeated killing and hindering cooperative gameplay.
One player shared a disturbing encounter where she was kicked from a public lobby and targeted for having a trans flag in her profile picture. The discriminatory behavior she faced highlights the need for better mechanisms to report and address toxic behavior within the game.
LGBTQ+ players have called on developer Arrowhead Game Studios to implement measures such as reporting options for griefing, friendly fire warnings, and penalties for disruptive gameplay. By addressing these issues, players believe that the toxic environment within Helldivers 2 can be mitigated, creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for all gamers.
As concerns continue to mount, LGBTQ+ players are advocating for a safer and more respectful gaming environment within Helldivers 2. The need for greater inclusivity and accountability within the gaming community remains a pressing issue that developers must address to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for all players.
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Helldivers 2
