"Helldivers 2: Balancing Monetization and Gameplay"

Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead, has achieved great success without resorting to a pay-to-win model, allowing players to unlock everything in-game without spending money. Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt emphasized the importance of "earning the right to monetize," stating that while players can support the game with real money, they are not forced to do so. Despite offering in-game purchases, the $40 premium game ensures that none of these purchases result in a pay-to-win scenario, with Pilestedt acknowledging that the only potentially advantageous item is not particularly effective in gameplay.