Helldivers 2 is currently in a tough spot. After an amazing launch, sentiment towards the game has changed again. A nerf to the flamethrower and disappointing anti-tank mines in the last patch led to another review bombing for the game, causing it to slip to “mixed” reviews on Steam.

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You know what? Maybe the machines aren’t so bad after all.

The flamethrower nerf was the biggest sticking point in the Escalation of Freedom update, prompting Arrowhead to consider player feedback and have “internal discussions” on the topic. But while discussions take place, Arrowhead’s CEO has shared his personal thoughts on the flamethrower with fans.

“I liked the older one”

When recently appointed Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjarni was asked in the official Helldivers 2 Discord channel about his opinion on the flame graphics and whether he thought they were better or worse, he said that he “liked the older version.”

Jorjani was quick to point out that this is actually his personal opinion and does not reflect that of the company as a whole, but it is still interesting to see him firmly on the side of the community on this issue.

The CEO has been actively responding to the Helldivers 2 community on this topic. Another player asked him, “How does it make sense that a flamethrower can’t cook something inside armor that’s attached to the skin and vital organs?” To which Jorjani replied, “I don’t think that makes any sense at all. And that’s something I’ve addressed internally.”

The issue is clearly having a big impact on Arrowhead. Jorjani shared that “we need to understand much better what players want and incorporate that into the development process,” adding, “Just talking about it isn’t enough. Actions count.”

As Jorjani says, “actions count,” but it’s candor like this that will endear him to the bustling, passionate Helldivers 2 community.