The director of Helldivers 2 is clear: studios shouldn't balance their games so much

Johan Pilestedt, director of Helldivers 2, has shared his concerns about the direction many video game developers are taking, arguing that they should focus more on creating fun experiences and less on seeking a perfect balance in their games. During a panel at the Game Developers Conference 2025, Pilestedt expressed that developers are obsessed with balance, often spending too much time making nerfs and buffs, as seen in popular titles like Diablo 4 and Overwatch.

Studies should not focus so much on balancing their games

“Balance is a myth. Fun should be the priority, and balance should only take up 5% of the work being done,” said Pilestedt. This approach suggests that the relentless pursuit of perfect balance dulls the player’s experience, turning what should be an interesting game design into a mere technical issue. “If you start to think of balance as the method of success, you’re an idiot,” he added, emphasizing the idea that true game design lies in the experience, not in mathematical perfection.

Despite its statements, Helldivers 2 has faced its own balance challenges since its release. According to Pilestedt, the issues in the game can be attributed more to leadership problems than to the game’s content itself. Despite the patches implemented, the title still suffers from a bug that allows players to slide chaotically, which, while annoying to some, has also added a touch of humor to the gameplay.

The game’s design director, Michael Eriksson, described the game’s journey since its launch as a “roller coaster,” highlighting that despite the challenges, the Arrowhead team feels fortunate to experience this. However, Pilestedt continues to emphasize that the development of Helldivers 2 must remain focused on fun rather than balance perfection. And if you disagree, you can always play their board game.

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