-
In a recent video discussing the making of the intro and the casting of veteran voice actor Craig Lee Thomas, former lead writer Russ Nickel noted that he always sensed the character would become an icon. “I had a feeling he would be ‘John Helldiver’ eventually,” Nickel reflected, admitting he didn’t have the specific name back then but knew they needed the most charismatic and humorous talent possible to bring the character to life.
While having fans officially name a lead character might seem unusual, it perfectly aligns with the collaborative spirit of *Helldivers 2*. The developers have frequently cited tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) as a major influence, where stories are built through the interaction between the narrator and the participants.
“The Galactic War is heavily inspired by TTRPG dynamics,” Eriksson added. “In those games, you have a set narrative path guided by the Game Master, but the players’ unique interactions create the most enduring and powerful shared memories.”
For anyone who has participated in a tabletop campaign, the evolution of a community meme into official lore feels very familiar. Just as a group joke can become a pivotal plot point in a D&D session, “John Helldiver” has become an inseparable part of the Super Earth mythos. If you’re ready to see the legend himself take the fight to the Cyborg threat, then let’s get to work!
Don’t miss our comprehensive overview of the Helldivers 2 Siege Breakers Warbond.
Source: gamesradar.com
