Helldivers 2 Puts Limits On Crossover Content

Crossover content can be a touchy subject for some. On occasion, and in games specifically built around the idea, crossovers can be good fun – Final Fantasy 7’s Cloud appearing in Smash Bros was great to see. But if Cloud Strife were to quickscope you in a round of Call of Duty, that may feel a little different.

With recent announcements from the Helldivers scene, the topic of appropriate crossovers has come up again. And, looking to settle things quickly, the developers have drawn a line in the sand – or more specifically, a line on an image made by a fan.

The original version of this image was posted to the Helldivers subreddit by u/lyndonguitar, who likely wasn’t expecting an answer as direct as this.

Johan Pilestedt, the CCO for Arrowhead Games, is who we have to thank for making Master Chief sad (again). Imperial Guard fans rejoyce – you’re on the table, but just barely.

Pilestedt went on to further specify what Arrowhead would and would not greenlight. Another image shows it all in plain text:

It’s also worth noting that all selections left of the line are less recognizable – or at least, less iconic than say, TMNT’s Shredder. This opens the door to some pretty big-name IPs, but avoids using designs that are too closely associated with one specific brand.

Arrowhead Wants To Do Crossovers Right

Helldivers fans want crossover designs to fit within the world they fight for, and seek to maintain immersion whenever possible. The… let’s say “overzealous” nature of Call of Duty’s crossovers have given everyone something to avoid, and players are happy to see a firm stance from Arrowhead.

But as Destructoid points out, this may not be so simple. Arrowhead also wants to stay faithful to the crossover’s featured IP – and that means changing as little as possible about the original design.

This creates an issue with art style already, but can also lead to problems when part of a design is an explicit reference to some other piece of fiction. Going back to the example of Warhammer 40k’s Imperial Guard – you can likely adapt things like plasma weaponry, but what about emblems and logos?

At the very least, Arrowhead’s stance is one that’s far stricter than, really, any other game that does explicit crossovers. The Doomslayer will be staying far away from any of this – but as for what’s next in the pipeline? Time will tell.