Summary
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Helldivers 2 developers Arrowhead were contacted by the United Nations to discuss psychological manipulation and brainwashing
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This relates to themes in the game where players are empowered to explore storylines around authoritarian regimes and a hypothetical ‘super earth’
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At GDC, Chief Easily Identifiable Satire Officer Johan Pilestedt talked about how the game’s themes, pulling on recognisable uniforms and mantras from real-life regimes including Nazi Germany and North Korea
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Pilestedt said the pleasing aesthetics of these themes allow players to explore darker narratives in a pleasing way, preventing the game from being depressing.