Helldivers 2 and its battle against FOMO
In recent years, FOMO (fear of missing out) has become a significant issue in the gaming industry. With limited-time events, seasonal content, and special in-game rewards, many titles are designed to keep players constantly engaged. This creates a sense of urgency – if you don’t log in every day or attend a certain event, you could miss out on important content, making gaming feel more like a chore than an escape.
Helldivers 2 stands apart by rejecting the FOMO-driven model that dominates modern games. Instead of focusing on seasonal events or time-limited rewards, Helldivers 2 focuses on the gameplay itself. Designed around challenging, high-stakes missions, the game shines in its ability to deliver fast-paced, unpredictable encounters, making every mission feel like a frantic struggle for survival on higher difficulties.
The game fosters a community-driven atmosphere, with no constant desire to “keep up” with content updates. Players can dive in and engage with the game at their own pace without worrying about being left behind. By eliminating the FOMO element, Helldivers 2 offers a more relaxed, yet highly engaging environment that encourages long-term enjoyment rather than short-term commitment, standing as a refreshing alternative to the trend-heavy approach of other titles.
The game has a battle pass-style mechanic called Warbonds, but they are permanently available. Even if you start now, you can access every old Warbond and win all the rewards. Premium currency can only be earned by playing the game and there is no pay-to-win mechanic. The game has microtransactions that are truly “micro” in nature and skins cost around $2 to $3. When it comes to monetization and beating FOMO, Helldivers 2 does it right.
While Helldivers 2 has plenty of innovative features, it’s also been met with controversy. A major source of frustration among players is Sony’s account linking requirements, which have left some feeling restricted. Cross-platform play, a much-anticipated feature, is tied to the use of a PlayStation account – even on non-Sony devices – leading to concerns about unnecessary barriers for PC players.
Despite its hiccups, the game has surpassed all expectations and it is. With over 12 million copies sold, Helldivers 2 has proven that games can be successful without actively indulging in predatory monetization and dark patterns that are common elements in modern day gaming.
