Why isn’t Helldivers 2 on Xbox?
The Waiting Game
Helldivers, a cooperative twin-stick shooter, was released in 2013 to critical acclaim on the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. The game’s unique blend of action-packed gameplay, quirky humor, and charming graphics made it a standout title. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting a sequel. However, as of now, there’s been no official announcement from the game’s developers, Arrowhead Game Studios, about a potential Helldivers 2 release on Xbox platforms.
The Original Game’s Legacy
Before diving into the why behind the absence of Helldivers 2 on Xbox, let’s take a look at the original game’s success.
| Platform | Release Date | Critic Score | User Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Vita | March 2013 | 84% | 81% |
| PlayStation 3 | May 2013 | 82% | 79% |
| PlayStation 4 | July 2013 | 87% | 85% |
As evident from the table, Helldivers received widespread critical acclaim, with an average critic score of 84% across all platforms. This indicates that the game was well-received by the gaming community, and its unique charm and gameplay mechanics resonated with players.
Why isn’t Helldivers 2 on Xbox?
Despite the game’s success, there has been no official announcement from Arrowhead Game Studios about a sequel or any plans to release it on Xbox platforms. So, what’s the reason behind this apparent omission?
Development Priorities
Arrowhead Game Studios, being a relatively small indie developer, has always been focused on developing games for the PlayStation ecosystem. In an interview with Gaming Bolt, the studio’s creative director, Rebecka Couturier, explained that "The PlayStation platform has been our focus from the start, and we’re still very passionate about it. We’ve always prioritized working on PlayStation exclusives."_
This focus on PlayStation exclusives might have led to the studio placing Helldivers 2 development on the backburner, or worse, shelving the project altogether. With the current gaming landscape and the intense competition among developers, it’s possible that the studio has shifted its attention to other projects that better align with its priorities.
Business Decisions
Another factor that might contribute to the absence of Helldivers 2 on Xbox is the " Platform Wars" between Sony and Microsoft. The two giants have been competing fiercely in the gaming market, each trying to outdo the other with exclusive titles and innovative features. It’s possible that Arrowhead Game Studios is adhering to its commitment to PlayStation exclusivity, unwilling to compromise by releasing Helldivers 2 on Xbox.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, it appears that Helldivers 2 will not be coming to Xbox platforms anytime soon. The original game’s success on PlayStation platforms seems to have cemented the studio’s allegiance to the PlayStation ecosystem. While this is disheartening news for Xbox fans, it’s essential to acknowledge the studio’s passion for developing exclusive titles for the platform that has supported them throughout their journey.
However, there is still hope for fans. Arrowhead Game Studios has confirmed that they are working on new projects, and it’s possible that a new game with similar mechanics and charm to Helldivers might be announced in the future. For now, we can only wait and see what the future holds for this talented studio and their commitment to the PlayStation brand.
What can Xbox fans do?
While waiting for new updates from Arrowhead Game Studios, Xbox fans can:
• Follow the studio’s social media channels to stay updated on any future announcements or project reveals.
• Vote for Helldivers on platforms like Steam Greenlight or Microsoft’s own gaming platform, to show support and help bring the game to Xbox platforms.
• Support other twin-stick shooter games that might offer a similar gaming experience to Helldivers.
• Keep an eye on gaming news and rumors, as any developments or leaks could potentially shed light on the fate of Helldivers 2 on Xbox.
Until then, Xbox fans can only continue to hope that the tide will turn in their favor, and that someday, Helldivers 2 will make its way to the Xbox platform.