Helldivers 2 Pushes Boundaries with Discontinued Game Engine

Creative director and Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt confirmed on Twitter that Helldivers 2 was indeed developed using an engine that no longer exists. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, stating, “Our crazy engineers had to do everything, with no support to build the game to parity with other engines.” It’s worth noting that the project had already begun before Autodesk Stingray was discontinued.

Autodesk Stingray, previously known as Bitsquid, also powered the first Helldivers game. Additionally, it was utilized for various Warhammer games, including Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide, Vermintide 2, and Warhammer 40k: Darktide.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Success of Helldivers 2

Despite being built on a discontinued engine, Helldivers 2 has garnered immense popularity, surpassing concurrent player numbers on PC compared to heavyweights like Destiny 2 and GTA 5. The overwhelming player count has presented challenges for Arrowhead, as they are “struggling to keep up” with the demand and have been consistently raising the player cap to ensure server stability.

In our review of Helldivers 2, we found it to be a “fiercely challenging and visually breathtaking cooperative shooter where failure is funny and success feels magnificent.” However, we also noted that there is a sense that the game’s full potential is yet to be realized.

Resilience and Dedication: Arrowhead’s Remarkable Achievement

Helldivers 2 not only showcases the creativity and talent of Arrowhead Game Studios but also serves as a testament to the dedication of their engineers who had to overcome the lack of support for their chosen game engine. It demonstrates that even with limited resources, a passionate team can create a remarkable and successful gaming experience.

As the legacy of Autodesk Stingray lives on through games like Helldivers 2, it serves as a reminder that innovation and ingenuity can thrive even in the face of technological challenges. The game’s use of a discontinued engine highlights the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the ever-evolving landscape of game development.

Helldivers 2 has undoubtedly set a new standard for cooperative shooters and stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its development team. With its unique blend of challenging gameplay and comedic elements, it has solidified its position as a must-play game for shooter enthusiasts.