Helldivers 2 Developers Consider Removing Controversial Anti-Cheat

The developers behind Helldivers 2 are reconsidering their use of the contentious anti-cheat software, GameGuard. In a recent discussion on Discord, Arrowhead Game Studios CEO, Shams Jorjani, indicated that the studio is “looking into” the possibility of removing this invasive technology. This statement marks a significant shift in the studio’s previous stance regarding GameGuard, which has faced substantial criticism from players since the game’s launch.

Controversy Surrounding GameGuard

The decision to incorporate GameGuard has drawn widespread scrutiny due to its kernel-level access, which many players view as overly intrusive. Critics argue that this level of access can lead to issues like data corruption and performance degradation. Back in February 2024, shortly after the launch of Helldivers 2, Peter Lindgren, the game’s Technical Director, defended the choice. He asserted that kernel-level anti-cheat systems are “one of the more effective ways to combat cheating” and claimed that GameGuard is only active while the game is running. Lindgren maintained that after extensive testing, the studio had not identified any significant performance impacts.

Despite these reassurances, players have reported negative experiences attributed to GameGuard. Jorjani’s recent acknowledgment of the complaints represents a change from his earlier dismissive comments, where he referred to the anti-cheat as a “bit of a boogeyman.” Responses on platforms like Reddit suggest that many players welcome the change in direction, although some remain skeptical about whether the studio will follow through on its intentions.

Next Steps for Arrowhead

While no specific timeline has been announced for the potential removal of GameGuard, Jorjani emphasized that the studio is currently focused on releasing an upcoming patch for Helldivers 2. He described the team as “busting ass” to expedite this update, which was originally scheduled for a mid-October release but has since been delayed. Beyond the patch, Arrowhead is also exploring ways to reduce the game’s file size on PC and enhance overall performance.

The ongoing issues surrounding GameGuard have led to discussions about its necessity, particularly in a cooperative gaming environment like Helldivers 2. Lindgren previously cited examples from the original Helldivers, where cheating disrupted player progression by granting unintended rewards to both cheaters and non-cheaters alike.

As the situation develops, Arrowhead has yet to outline any concrete plans following the potential removal of GameGuard. The shift in the studio’s approach is notable, especially given Jorjani’s earlier insistence that there was no evidence of performance impact. For now, players await further updates and hope for a resolution that balances the need for anti-cheat measures with a positive gaming experience.