Arrowhead Studios is exploring the possibility of removing its controversial anti-cheat system, GameGuard, following persistent complaints from players. In a recent discussion on Discord, CEO Shams Jorjani acknowledged fan concerns, stating, “I hear ya. We’re looking into it. Let’s just get this patch out and then tackle this other hydra head.” This marks a significant shift in the studio’s stance, as Jorjani had previously dismissed worries about the system’s impact on game performance.
GameGuard has drawn criticism for its invasive nature, primarily due to its kernel-level access, which some players claim leads to data corruption and performance issues. Jorjani’s comments indicate that Arrowhead is beginning to take these concerns seriously, although there is currently no timeline for when GameGuard might be replaced or removed.
The controversy around GameGuard stems from its introduction with the release of Helldivers 2 in February 2024. In an earlier statement, Peter Lindgren, the Technical Director for Helldivers 2, defended the use of the anti-cheat system. He described kernel-level anti-cheat as “one of the more effective ways to combat cheating” and asserted that GameGuard would only be active while the game is running. Lindgren claimed that after extensive testing, the studio had not observed any notable performance degradation.
Despite these assurances, players have expressed frustration, particularly regarding the need for an anti-cheat system in a cooperative game. Lindgren referenced an issue from the original Helldivers game, where a cheat granted players an unrealistic amount of resources, adversely affecting the experience for non-cheaters involved in the same missions.
As Arrowhead Studios moves forward, many players have expressed hope for a change in the anti-cheat approach. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal a mix of optimism and skepticism, with some players doubting that any substantial changes will be made.
Before any adjustments to GameGuard can occur, Arrowhead is focused on releasing its next update for Helldivers 2. Jorjani stated that the team is “busting ass” to deliver this update as soon as possible, although it has missed its original mid-October target. The studio is also working on reducing the game’s file size on PC and enhancing overall performance, with new content being delayed as these improvements are prioritized.
As Arrowhead looks to the future, it is also beginning development on a new project, having shared initial details about the next game. The evolution of their approach to anti-cheat measures may reflect a broader commitment to player satisfaction and performance quality, but only time will reveal the outcomes of these discussions.
