Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • GTA 6 cover art revealed
  • Summer Preview
  • Prime Day deals
  • Best gaming tech
  • New Games 2026
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Helldivers 2

"Malevelon Creek was literally an inside job": Helldivers 2 grunts in pieces after learning a real-life D&D game master is beating their asses in the Galactic War

News
By Hirun Cryer published 29 February 2024

His name is Joel, apparently

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Helldivers 2 Transporting the Hard Drive to the Communications Relay
(Image credit: Sony)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios has revealed that one developer has the role of 'Game Master,' leaving players in shambles at their power. 

Talking to PC Gamer, Helldivers 2 game director Johan Pilestedt reveals one game developer at Arrowhead is dubbed the 'Game Master.' "We have an actual person with the job title of Game Master," Pilestedt says very casually, adding that his name is Joel, in case you were wondering.

"We have a lot of systems built into the game where the Game Master has a lot of control over the play experience. It's something that we're continuously evolving based on what's happening in the game," the Helldivers 2 director continues, adding that there are still features set to debut in the game that they want to keep secret.

Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:

Pilestedt then adds that Dungeons & Dragons is a major inspiration for Arrowhead, which GamesRadar+ wrote about earlier this month. "It's the same format when you build that for millions of players, it's just that you can't get as personal with every individual. But you can still do the same twists and turns," Pilestedt adds. 

Now that the news has broken, Helldivers 2 players are very wary of this individual known as Joel. You can see a smattering of reactions to the reveal of Joel the Game Master just below, including one in particular that portrays Joel as a sadistic individual for stripping Helldivers 2 players of Malevelon Creek earlier this week, when Automaton forces overran the planet.

You may like
  • Helldivers 2 Helldivers 2 lead promises "meaningful changes" after "painful to read" criticism of Arrowhead
  • Cropped Helldivers 2 art from the official 'Save Cyberstan' poster. Helldivers 2 will receive "core" improvements by summer with "more reactive" Galactic War
  • Helldivers 2 Helldivers 2 boss says updates are "not an exact science" because the "community changes" constantly

JOEL IS TOO POWERFUL https://t.co/IgSe7ZRogCFebruary 28, 2024

Joel after he took Malevelon Creek from us pic.twitter.com/hZfNUcmIoqFebruary 28, 2024

Malevon Creek was literally an inside job https://t.co/1jdKtjktZ3February 29, 2024

However, Pilestedt has somewhat clarified the role of Game Master in a tweet. Just below, the director reveals that Joel's role in-game is more to determine which ongoing 'Orders' are granted to players every day and where enemy forces attack around the galaxy instead of deciding which planets are actually liberated and lost.

As a follow up on Game Master abilities, the majority of the role is to choose which major order takes place, what daily is active and decide where the enemies attack. The war fought and liberation of planets - that's all you!We can also reinforce planets if needed and give…February 29, 2024

It also seems like the Game Master will have a certain amount of control over some upcoming features in Helldivers 2, which Arrowhead hasn't yet revealed to players. Considering the Automaton forces attacking new planets was an initiative only launched a few weeks ago, Arrowhead has plenty more in store to pelt players with.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Read up on our Helldivers 2 Hunters guide for a look over how to take down the pesky bugs as quickly as possible.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Social Links Navigation
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.

Read more
Helldivers 2
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 lead promises "meaningful changes" after "painful to read" criticism of Arrowhead
 
 
Cropped Helldivers 2 art from the official 'Save Cyberstan' poster.
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 will receive "core" improvements by summer with "more reactive" Galactic War
 
 
Helldivers 2
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 boss says updates are "not an exact science" because the "community changes" constantly
 
 
A screenshot of a Helldiver pointing to the camera in the Helldivers 2 Super Earth Escapes video.
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 patch overhauls Major Orders with Galactic Campaigns, adds new biome, and more
 
 
Man painting a Warhammer miniature
Third Person Shooters The next Helldivers 2 Legendary Warbond is Warhammer 40,000, which is kind of perfect
 
 
Helldivers 2 screenshot showing a fully geared/armored diver standing with gun in hand as three jets soar the skies behind him
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 recruits PlayStation PC port studio for "opening salvo in an ongoing campaign to improve performance"
 
 
Latest in
Fallout 76 Screenshot
Fallout Fallout 76 interview: Bethesda talks Infestations and the impact of the Fallout TV show on its shared-world RPG
 
 
A screenshot of the upcoming Switch 2 game, Kingdom Hearts Collection
Kingdom Hearts Despite playing a key role in Final Fantasy 7, Tetsuya Nomura says "Kingdom Hearts has become my life's work"
 
 
Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2's lead birthed reviled boss Doormaker after "playing too much Deadlock"
 
 
Scuf Nomad review image
Gaming Controllers Using a mobile controller has completely ruined my ability to game without one, and it's the perfect time to test one
 
 
The Witcher 4 cinematic screenshot showing a closeup of Ciri, the protagonist of the new adventure
The Witcher The Witcher 4 studio wants to make more games without "launching a big game every year"
 
 
Master Chief hijacking a Ghost in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Halo: Campaign Evolved's PS5 port has stricter split-screen co-op requirements than Xbox
 
 
Latest in News
A screenshot of the upcoming Switch 2 game, Kingdom Hearts Collection
Kingdom Hearts Despite playing a key role in Final Fantasy 7, Tetsuya Nomura says "Kingdom Hearts has become my life's work"
 
 
Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2's lead birthed reviled boss Doormaker after "playing too much Deadlock"
 
 
The Witcher 4 cinematic screenshot showing a closeup of Ciri, the protagonist of the new adventure
The Witcher The Witcher 4 studio wants to make more games without "launching a big game every year"
 
 
Master Chief hijacking a Ghost in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Halo: Campaign Evolved's PS5 port has stricter split-screen co-op requirements than Xbox
 
 
Elden Ring: Nightreign
Action RPGs With no major updates in sight, Elden Ring Nightreign fan creates surprisingly fun endless runner
 
 
Stellar Blade
Action Games Stellar Blade diehard begins multi-year quest to kill the final boss every day until Blood Rain and Evie finally arrive
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Fallout 76 Screenshot
    1
    Fallout 76 interview: Bethesda talks Infestations and the impact of the Fallout TV show on its shared-world RPG
  2. 2
    Using a mobile controller has completely ruined my ability to game without one, and it's the perfect time to test one
  3. 3
    Despite playing a key role in Final Fantasy 7, Tetsuya Nomura says "Kingdom Hearts has become my life's work"
  4. 4
    De-digitize your life with 12 retro gadgets that will send you straight back to the 90s this Prime Day
  5. 5
    Slay the Spire 2's lead birthed reviled boss Doormaker after "playing too much Deadlock"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...