So recently there has been a new mod that came out for Helldivers 2 and the community as a whole that has caught some traction due to what all it adds to the game. For those not aware, recently a group of modders released a complete reimagining of the game of Helldivers 2 called Custom Galactic War Mod. The CGW is supposed to bring in a lot of custom content and features that many in the HD2 community have felt should have done been introduced into the game already but due to one reason or another it has not.
The features of the CGW range from Custom Galactic Map and Story, Mech Customization and Loadout, Custom Biomes and Points of Interest, Overhauled Enemies and Spawns, and Roaming SEAF Soldiers to name a few. The team that created the mod has stated that it is, "not meant to be better than the main galactic war but just an alternative faster paced player driven one with more emphasis on narrative. To prevent cheating on the official servers, medals and super credits earned in the mod do not translate to the base game. It is considered a stand alone experience as it relies on a separate launcher and does not use the official SOS beacons or Quickplay.
Now I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not impressed nor am I saying that I don't agree that this all sounds great, and from what others that have access to the CGW server (yes you have to apply for access) are saying that it isn't some top tier mod work by a group of people that are more in likely professionals in their fields...this treads a thin line between 'Modding' and possible 'Piracy' of a game. So why is that? Well lets look at some recent developments that would push it over the line.
Closed Access
Currently the game is closed access only. To get into the server you must first join their discord server, apply for access to obtain the launch files and play files. If your accepted you then have to download a third party application (that isn't vetted through standard channels) and download files that run in concurrent with your HD2 files. Should data get corrupted it could ultimately effect your base game.
Cheating
While I do not doubt the mod and modders that made it are not out to cause problems or enable cheating, it could be used to find a backdoor into the main game files and allow people to cheat in obtaining Super Credits, Warbonds, or other exploits as it does require access to the base game for the most part to run. The base game is linked to the HD2 Network and therefore does provide a possibility for backdoor entry into the official game servers. While I do not think this would be something that would happen...it is a risk.
Paid Access
This is the biggest one that I recently saw and came across. There was talk about making CGW a paid access system and mod. And that is where the major problems can start. While I do not think Arrowhead itself would do much if anything against the creators of CGW in this instant (if anything I'd offer them a job or an independent contractor job) we have to remember that HD2 is NOT just Arrowheads baby anymore...it technically belongs to Sony Entertainment and that means Sony could sue for Copyright infringement. While the mod is free and limited in scope and access then it technically is protected. However, the moment it requires a form of payment then it could be argued that they have committed a Copyright infringement.
What would Sony Do?
Well to answer that we'd have to see how Sony and other gaming industries have handled other matters similar to this one and I think we can all agree that if the Mod group that made CGW starts requiring a form of payment to play...Sony Entertainment will seek damages. Look at the recent lawsuits filed by Pokemon and Nintendo against PalWorld and Pocket Pair. The games are no where near alike and yet because Pocket Pair used 'monsters' that can be captured and battled, they were struck with lawsuits. Now that said, the courts did agree that Nintendo and Pokemon didn't own exclusive rights to a 'genra' of a game style and that there was little proof that they infringed on the Copyright, but there is still other things that can be pressed...plus the legal fees incurred can be staggering to a small group or company.
Sony Entertainment could see the use of its base game HD2 as an act of Piracy, and the used of the game and its resources to create and otherwise change the game as Copyright. They could say that because the group is getting paid to use something they themselves didn't create from scratch that it is in violation of the Copyright policy...and as far as the law goes they would be correct.
HD2 v. CGW
While I personally don't have any problem with CGW as I personally have not played it nor do I intend to for the time being, I do think that HD2 needs to maybe get with those guys and see what they were able to do to make it like they did and maybe take a few pointers from them. If nothing else I think that Arrowhead should consider subcontracting out some work to these guys and see what they can do to implement these things into the game itself.
As for what I feel between the two? I have no real issue with the current HD2 though the last patch has really messed with my graphics and I am still trying to sort that whole thing out, I think that Arrowhead needs to buckle down and realize that while the game is good and is growing and has had its bumps and stuff...it may be time to seek out new talent or seek out a group that can help push change. I also think it may be time for them to consider the need to upgrade their current program platform and switch to something like Unreal Engine.
CGW from what I have gathered changes rapidly and is a more fast pace version of the current base game. It is pushed further with more narrative for the players and adds a variety of new experiences which I have no problem with and think its great that they are offering this. However, I have to also say that as a Mod it pushes what is actually a 'mod' and what could be considered a disregard for others work, though morality aside, this issue could lead to legal problems so there is that to consider.
Final Thought
For a Mod this CGW sounds like a dream come true for players who are looking for a more fast pace, narrative driven, new add ons, and expansive gameplay (which sounds awesome to me too if I'm honest) and yes I agree that Arrowhead should be doing these things as well and making their game meet or exceed what the modders are doing. I think that Arrowhead has sadly had their hands tied by their overlords at Sony Entertainment which like EA and Ubisoft have become the bad guys when it comes to the Gaming Community at large...and for good reason.
All that said though, I also see the problems posed by the allowance of this mod to continue and possibly switch from a 'We have the right to let you have access for free' and 'Pay to Access this Mod' as it would cross the thin line between 'player creator content' into 'Piracy' of someone else's work.
I think that in the end this is something that can't be easily answered or viewed in any one particular light and it is something that we as individuals and as players and gamers will need to look at for a while.
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