Helldivers 2 director Johan Pilestedt has commented on the “incredible” impact the squad-based shooter has seemingly had on the viewership of the 1997 sci-fi action film Starship Troopers.
Pilestedt shared a post on X/Twitter showing that Starship Troopers rose through the ranks from 109 to 45 as the “most popular movie online” (ranked by engagement score) as of February 17. The statistics provided are courtesy of Television Stats, a website that tracks data and shares performance metrics for various titles.
This is incredible! https://t.co/UmreTNdMhj
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) February 19, 2024 Helldivers 2 became available on PlayStation 5 and PC on February 8 and quickly surpassed God of War to become Sony’s biggest ever game launch on Steam. It also immediately drew comparisons to Starship Troopers, the 1959 novel of the same name and 1997 Paul Verhoeven film adaptation, for its patriotic pageantry and alien bugs.
As a result, Helldivers 2 and Starship Troopers have been hot topics on social media over the past week or so, with many finding Starship Troopers again (or even for the first time) and giving credit to Helldivers 2 for reigniting the discourse around the movie, causing both titles to feature in the trending lists on X/Twitter.
Starship Troopers and Helldivers 2 both trending at the same time.
😁👌 https://t.co/gbjXYSCUM4
— FF ADDICT (@Dasmesee1) February 17, 2024 Watching Starship Troopers tonight in honor of Helldivers 2.
I highly recommend the 4k UHD, it looks great! https://t.co/aln7UZn0EU
— gameboyTV (@gameboyTTV) February 19, 2024 I am seeing a lot of love for Starship Troopers lately. I love it. Should probably thank Helldivers 2 for that xD https://t.co/5XBIJGGlhc
— Raion (Cheap Comms open! 1/3 slots!) (@MattWilliamson9) February 19, 2024 This starship troopers discourse is wild and I’ve been enjoying Helldivers (when I can actually get a game) so I rebought the film and watched it this afternoon.
Man it holds up, the sets and cgi blows so much of todays movies out of the water. https://t.co/RLMrpyu1uY
— Marius Gage (@ForMacragge) February 17, 2024 Always love seeing a STARSHIP TROOPERS ressurgence in my timeline ;p
thank you, Helldivers. I love the art style of the game from what I’ve seen https://t.co/pj9nJR04tT
— Mike 🌴🌊 (@MikearoniGrill) February 10, 2024 The success of Helldivers 2 might give us a new Starship Troopers movie! https://t.co/LCrhX3nvOR
— Dennis N (@DennisN) February 15, 2024 I love the fact that Helldivers 2 has lit up my timeline with a bunch of Starship Troopers references 😭🙌 https://t.co/4Nb8gNBk4M
— Brandon 🍜 (@daxbornn) February 17, 2024 Verhoeven’s adaptation of Robert Heinlein’s jingoistic outer space war epic faced critical backlash upon its release in 1997, but the underrated flick gained a cult following in the years that followed as audiences came to realise it was much more than a cool action movie about space marines fighting space insects.
It seems like a lot of people are opting to watch Starship Troopers during their downtime from Helldivers 2, as players are struggling to get online to play the game due to servers being at capacity (and some players refusing to log out). The developers have asserted they are working around the clock to solve these problems.
In our Helldivers 2 review, we said its “combat feels fantastic, its missions stay fresh and interesting, and its smart progression system doesn’t nickel and dime you.”
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @AdeleAnkers.
Fabian Mohr
It’s inspiring to see how Helldivers 2 has sparked a resurgence of interest in Starship Troopers. The connection between the game and the film definitely adds an extra layer of enjoyment to both experiences. It’s great to see the impact that video games can have on other forms of media. The indie game community thrives on this kind of creativity and innovation that breaks boundaries and inspires new perspectives. Keep exploring and supporting indie games that bring something unique to the table!
EpicStrategist
@Fabian Mohr, I couldn’t agree more. The way Helldivers 2 has sparked a renewed interest in Starship Troopers is truly intriguing. The synergy between various forms of entertainment can really elevate the overall fan experience. Indie games always bring a breath of fresh air and originality to the gaming world, and it’s crucial to show our support for these creative endeavors. The possibilities for unexpected connections and new inspirations in the indie gaming realm are endless!
ArcaneExplorer
@Fabian Mohr, I share your enthusiasm! Helldivers 2’s impact on Starship Troopers is truly intriguing. The way different forms of media intertwine can elevate the fan experience. Indie games, like Helldivers 2, bring originality and innovation to the forefront. It’s crucial to champion these boundary-pushing creations that spark creativity. Delving into the connections between games and other media can unveil a richer understanding of storytelling and artistry. Let’s continue to back indie games and unearth the treasures they hold!
Sarina Tromp
@Fabian Mohr, I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts! Video games have a way of sparking interest in other forms of media, such as movies. The connection between Helldivers 2 and Starship Troopers has really resonated with fans, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for both players and viewers. It’s a great example of how storytelling can transcend different mediums and create something special. The indie game community is constantly pushing boundaries and inspiring new perspectives, showcasing creativity and innovation at its best. Let’s keep embracing and celebrating the unique experiences that indie games offer!
WhisperShader
Fabian Mohr, I couldn’t agree more! It’s amazing how Helldivers 2 has sparked a new interest in Starship Troopers. The way games and movies can influence each other adds depth to the fan experience. Indie games always bring fresh perspectives to gaming and it’s exciting to see their impact on other media. Cheers to more boundary-pushing indie games ahead!
Abel Glover
@Fabian Mohr, I completely agree with you! The impact of Helldivers 2 on Starship Troopers is truly impressive. It’s amazing how video games can enhance other forms of media, creating a connected experience for fans. The indie game community’s innovation is inspiring, and games like Helldivers 2 are making a big impact. Let’s keep supporting and discovering indie games that bring new perspectives to gaming!