Summary
- Helldivers 2's anti-cheat software inadvertently hinders disabled gamers who rely on third-party tools for accessibility.
- Popular online games like Helldivers 2 implement anti-cheat measures like nProtect GameGuard, impacting player experience.
- CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios promises to address disabled gamer's concerns, signaling a potential breakthrough for accessibility in Helldivers 2.
Helldivers 2's anti-cheat software accidentally added another barrier to entry for disabled gamers. Some individuals with disabilities use special tools or programs to improve their gaming experience. However, as anti-cheat software evolves and tightens restrictions on third-party systems, some gamers with disabilities may find it difficult to enjoy certain games. Such is the case with Helldivers 2.
Anti-cheat software is nothing new to modern online titles. In recent years, they've become especially widespread among a variety of popular online games, with programs like Easy Anti-Cheat, BattleEye, and Valve Anti-Cheat becoming some of the most proliferated services in the industry. Unfortunately, these systems aren't always perfect. As one disabled gamer revealed, anti-cheat systems mistakenly targeted Helldivers 2 players who were forced to rely on third-party tools to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the player base.
Video game accessibility advocate Steven Spohn shared a post to Twitter expressing his disappointment with Helldivers 2's inflexible anti-cheat system. The massively popular PVE shooter notably utilizes the nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat system to safeguard the integrity of its online play. According to Spohn's post, nProtect GameGuard's kernel-level security blocked the functionality of several vital tools. Most notably, the anti-cheat for Helldivers 2 did not permit the use of a special infrared hat controller, which Spohn used to control his in-game character.
Fortunately, a fix to Spohn's issues might soon be delivered. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt reached out to Spohn in a comment to his original post. Pilestedt promised to look into the issue and specifically asked for the names of Spohn's assistive tools, and the two have since opened a private dialogue to discuss how Helldivers 2 could improve its accessibility.
Helldivers 2's War On Cheaters
It's understandable why so many online games utilize anti-cheat software, as having too many cheaters running around the servers does more than just distort the intended gameplay experience. It negatively affects the game's longevity and player base. A comprehensive list of gameplay accessibility options can go a long way in welcoming more people into the community.
Helldivers 2
- Released
- February 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy. Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization. Of our very existence. But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.
BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat. How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.
REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.
THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with. Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.
THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort. This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- Metascore
- 83
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC & PS5
