How Nintendo Inspired the Creation of Helldivers 2, According to Its Director

Helldivers 2 likely wouldn't have come into being if not for Nintendo, according to its director, who credits the iconic video game company as his inspiration for entering the realm of game development.

Johan Pilestedt, the director behind Helldivers 2 and CEO of Arrowhead Studios, regards his early encounters with Nintendo games as pivotal to his career path. It's Nintendo's influence that imbued him with the passion to craft games, making it instrumental in the existence of Helldivers 2.

In a quirky exchange on social media, wherein a tweet boldly declared Nintendo and PlayStation as "the ONLY two REAL gaming brands," showcasing their renowned mascots, Pilestedt humorously queried about the representation for the advocates of democracy, hinting at the inclusion of Helldivers 2 characters alongside PlayStation's icons. He then professed his love for games universally, attributing his venture into game development to Nintendo's profound impact on him.

It's an amusing thought that the brave warriors of the Galactic War owe their existence to some iconic figures of gaming lore - from the adventurous plumbers and an agile ape to a hero in a green cap.

While Pilestedt didn't specify which Nintendo games were his biggest inspirations, one might speculate that Contra, with its narrative of soldiers battling extraterrestrial forces, holds a special place in his heart. One clearly sees the parallels with Helldivers 2's thematic focus on combating nefarious threats.

Pilestedt's affinity isn't limited to Nintendo; he's also a proclaimed PlayStation enthusiast, showing a keen interest in narratives revolving around the collective effort to overturn dire adversities. He recently shared memories of immersing himself in Final Fantasy 7 during his younger years, further highlighting his long-standing connection with impactful storytelling in games.