Summary
Helldivers 2’s anti-cheat software accidentally added another barrier to entry for disabled gamers. Some individuals with disabilities use special tools or programs to improve their gaming experience. However, as anti-cheat software evolves and tightens restrictions on third-party systems, some gamers with disabilities may find it difficult to enjoy certain games. Such is the case withHelldivers 2.
Anti-cheat software is nothing new to modern online titles. In recent years, they’ve become especially widespread among a variety of popular online games, with programs like Easy Anti-Cheat, BattleEye, and Valve Anti-Cheat becoming some of the most proliferated services in the industry. Unfortunately, these systems aren’t always perfect. As one disabled gamer revealed, anti-cheat systemsmistakenly targetedHelldivers 2playerswho were forced to rely on third-party tools to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the player base.
Video game accessibility advocate Steven Spohn shared a post to Twitter expressing his disappointment withHelldivers 2’s inflexible anti-cheat system. The massively popular PVE shooter notably utilizes the nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat system to safeguard the integrity of its online play. According to Spohn’s post, nProtect GameGuard’s kernel-level security blocked the functionality of several vital tools. Most notably, the anti-cheat forHelldivers 2did not permit the use of a special infrared hat controller, which Spohn used to control his in-game character.
Fortunately, a fix to Spohn’s issues might soon be delivered. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt reached out to Spohn in a comment to his original post. Pilestedt promised to look into the issue and specifically asked for the names of Spohn’s assistive tools, and the two have since opened a private dialogue to discuss howHelldivers 2could improveits accessibility.
Helldivers 2’s War On Cheaters
It’s understandable why so many online games utilize anti-cheat software, as having too many cheaters running around the servers does more than just distort the intended gameplay experience. It negatively affects the game’s longevity and player base. A comprehensivelist of gameplay accessibility optionscan go a long way in welcoming more people into the community.
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
