Helldivers 2, known for its slapstick deaths and chaotic gameplay, draws inspiration from tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, according to Johan Pilestedt, CEO and creative director of Arrowhead Games.
Pilestedt attributes the game’s farcical comedy and friendly fire mechanics to his experiences playing pen and paper RPGs, where every session turned into a hilarious farce. He states, “The concept originates from years of playing [pen and paper] RPGs, where the players manage to turn everything into a farce. No matter if it’s Cthulhu or D&D, it always ends with us crying of laughter.”
As someone who runs tabletop games themselves, Pilestedt understands the chaotic and improvisational nature of TTRPGs, where players often find themselves in absurd situations that lead to uncontrollable laughter. He perfectly captures the essence of tabletop gaming with the word “farce,” describing it as built on physical humor, absurd situations, and unlikely circumstances—all elements facilitated by the whims of the dice.
Despite not featuring any dice rolls, Helldivers 2 captures the essence of tabletop RPGs by creating a playground for players where every mission is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Pilestedt’s comment on simulating everything, even when it doesn’t make sense at the time, mirrors the role of a Dungeon Master in improvising scenarios based on dice rolls.
The influence of tabletop RPGs on game development extends beyond Helldivers 2. Devs like Warren Spector of Deus Ex and James Ohlen of Baldur’s Gate have also drawn inspiration from their experiences with Dungeons & Dragons. The camaraderie and creativity fostered by tabletop gaming have contributed to the development of many gaming classics.
Helldivers 2 now joins the ranks of games inspired by tabletop RPGs, solidifying its place in the canon of creatively driven titles. As the tradition of sitting around a table with friends continues to inspire game developers, the legacy of tabletop gaming lives on in virtual worlds filled with laughter and chaos.
