Arrowhead Studios, the developers of Helldivers 2, have recently released an official statement regarding the game’s usage of anti-cheat software. The software in question, GameGuard, has raised concerns within the gaming community due to its kernel-level or rootkit nature, prompting questions about privacy and security.
In response to these concerns, technical director Peter Lindgren has assured players that GameGuard will not remain on their PCs after uninstalling Helldivers 2 and will not collect any personally identifiable information. Additionally, he stated that the software does not interfere with game performance or create special security concerns.
However, the gaming community’s response to this statement has been mostly negative, with many expressing doubts about the safety and privacy of using GameGuard. Forum users on platforms like Reddit and Steam have urged the developers to consider a different anti-cheat solution, citing their concerns about privacy and potential complications with a fully Steam Deck compatible version.
Lindgren explained that the need for anti-cheat software stems from negative experiences with cheating in prior projects. In the case of Helldivers 1, which did not have effective anti-cheat measures, certain cheats had a widespread impact on both cheaters and non-cheaters, affecting the game’s progression system and overall player experience.
Despite these concerns, Helldivers 2 has seen a successful launch, attracting over 80,000 players on Steam and becoming PlayStation’s biggest PC release to date. However, the game has also faced technical issues, leading the developers to work on fixes for crashing problems and matchmaking issues.
Opinion:
In my opinion, the use of invasive anti-cheat software like GameGuard raises legitimate concerns about privacy and security for players. While the developers have reassured the community about the safety of the software, the negative response from players shows that there is still a lack of trust in its usage.
As a player, I believe that game developers should prioritize finding anti-cheat solutions that are effective in combating cheating while also respecting the privacy and security of their player base. The concerns raised by the community should be taken seriously, and the developers of Helldivers 2 should consider alternative anti-cheat measures that address these worries.
Ultimately, the success of the game’s launch shows that there is significant interest in Helldivers 2, but it is essential for the developers to address the technical issues and concerns surrounding the anti-cheat software to ensure a positive and trustworthy gaming experience for all players.