Arrowhead Game Studios has faced a significant backlash on Steam following the implementation of Easy Anti-Cheat in Helldivers 2. The studio introduced the anti-cheat system to combat players using mods that provide unfair advantages, but the measure has inadvertently affected mods that players rely on for quality-of-life improvements.
In a statement, Arrowhead acknowledged the role of mods in PC gaming culture. "We know mods are part of the DNA of PC gaming and gaming communities as a whole," the studio wrote. "In general, we appreciate the creativity behind cosmetic and non-gameplay mods, which players can enjoy without negatively impacting those who play alongside them. Where we need to improve is how we protect players against modifications that create unfair advantages or negatively impact others, which goes beyond software manipulation to tamper with our game."
However, the deployment of Easy Anti-Cheat has led to a sharp decline in recent player reviews on Steam, with the game's rating dropping to "Mostly Negative." This contrasts with its all-time reviews, which remain "Mostly Positive." Many players feel that Arrowhead is penalizing the community for using mods that address issues the developers have not yet resolved. These useful mods include enhancements for hellpod steering, smoother vaulting and climbing mechanics, and AI improvements.
Players have reported that Easy Anti-Cheat does not distinguish between beneficial mods and those that grant invincibility or other exploitative advantages. Some users have also claimed that the anti-cheat system prevented them from launching the game entirely, even without having any mods installed. Concerns have also been raised about the game's availability, with reports of it not appearing on Steam in certain regions.
Critics have suggested alternative approaches, with one Steam review proposing that Arrowhead could have embraced modding, similar to how Left 4 Dead 2 thrives with community modifications. The suggestion included the possibility of integrating Steam Workshop support or maintaining separate public lobbies for vanilla and modded gameplay, a system employed by games like Baldur's Gate 3.
Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter where players team up to defend against alien threats across a variety of planetary environments. The game is characterized by intense action, with enemies swarming the screen, constant barrages of gunfire, and often chaotic, humorous squadmate eliminations.
IGN has reached out to Arrowhead for comment on the situation.