Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
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.

Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

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
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • 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
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2026
  • Deal of the Day
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • G+RLS Podcast
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • RPG Hub
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 FromGamesRadar+
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
  • A teddy bear flies towards a void in the Helldivers 2 Face the Unknown teaser trailer. Helldivers 2 trailer might tease an Illuminate battle, but Warhammer fans think it's Chaos Gods
  • Helldivers 2 soldier in intro animation with shocked expression Helldivers 2 disables the DSS buff that's been a team-killing monster for months
  • Helldivers 2 solo player triumphantly returning to super destroyer in celebration after completing a mission with sparklers going off on either side How to play Helldivers 2 solo

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
A teddy bear flies towards a void in the Helldivers 2 Face the Unknown teaser trailer.
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 trailer might tease an Illuminate battle, but Warhammer fans think it's Chaos Gods
 
 
Helldivers 2 soldier in intro animation with shocked expression
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 disables the DSS buff that's been a team-killing monster for months
 
 
Helldivers 2 solo player triumphantly returning to super destroyer in celebration after completing a mission with sparklers going off on either side
Third Person Shooters How to play Helldivers 2 solo
 
 
Helldivers 2 Democratic Detonation Warbond heavy armor helldiver
Third Person Shooters The Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40K crossover is getting a full reveal on July 30
 
 
Helldivers 2 x Warhammer 40,000 crossover
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2's Warhammer collab arrives in 2 weeks, bringing the Bolt Pistol and other 40K weapons
 
 
The Lich King from WoW points a sword to the screen
World of Warcraft Blizzard fires World of Warcraft dev after using "development-only spells on a live realm"
 
 
Latest in
Carey Mulligan as Alexandra scowling in Wildwood
Fantasy Movies Early reactions for Wildwood draws Lord of the Rings comparisons as Laika's best film yet
 
 
GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto Rockstar has a whole team of GTA 6 writers for to pedestrian dialogue: "There are no shortcuts"
 
 
Screenshot from Marvel Tokon's post-launch trailer, showing Jane Foster's Thor.
Fighting Games Venom, Thor, X-Men's Jubilee and the "Phoenix version of Cyclops" coming to Marvel Tokon Year One
 
 
In a Violent Nature 2
Horror Movies POV horror In A Violent Nature carves out a release date for sequel
 
 
Godzilla being Godzilla
Sci-Fi Movies Godzilla Minus Zero trailer brings back the big guy in a tantalizing and terrifying trailer
 
 
Jordan A. Mun looks at herself in a mirror in just a vest in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet screenshot
Action Games Former Last of Us dev wonders if we'll look back at games like Intergalactic and "marvel at it"
 
 
Latest in News
Carey Mulligan as Alexandra scowling in Wildwood
Fantasy Movies Early reactions for Wildwood draws Lord of the Rings comparisons as Laika's best film yet
 
 
GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto Rockstar has a whole team of GTA 6 writers for to pedestrian dialogue: "There are no shortcuts"
 
 
Screenshot from Marvel Tokon's post-launch trailer, showing Jane Foster's Thor.
Fighting Games Venom, Thor, X-Men's Jubilee and the "Phoenix version of Cyclops" coming to Marvel Tokon Year One
 
 
In a Violent Nature 2
Horror Movies POV horror In A Violent Nature carves out a release date for sequel
 
 
Godzilla being Godzilla
Sci-Fi Movies Godzilla Minus Zero trailer brings back the big guy in a tantalizing and terrifying trailer
 
 
Jordan A. Mun looks at herself in a mirror in just a vest in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet screenshot
Action Games Former Last of Us dev wonders if we'll look back at games like Intergalactic and "marvel at it"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Laika's 'crowning achievement' isn't far away
    1
    Early reactions for Wildwood draws Lord of the Rings comparisons as Laika's best film yet
  2. 2
    Rockstar has a whole team of GTA 6 writers dedicated to pedestrian dialogue: "There are no shortcuts when it comes to building a world like this"
  3. 3
    Marvel Tokon reveals Venom, Jane Foster's Thor, X-Men's Jubilee and the "Phoenix version of Cyclops" coming as Year One DLC heroes
  4. 4
    POV horror In A Violent Nature carves out a release date for sequel
  5. 5
    Godzilla Minus Zero trailer brings back the big guy in a tantalizing and terrifying trailer

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
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

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

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...