Helldivers 2 boss says: 'Get the game later if you don't have cash'

The developer behind the hugely successful Helldivers 2 has advised fans not to spend their “last dollar” on the game.

Arrowhead Studios' online shooter has been a massive success since its launch on February 8, breaking player records for publisher Sony.

But the unexpected popularity has put a strain on the game's servers, with many having trouble logging in.

That hasn't stopped sales, but Arrowhead CEO Johan Bilstedt said: “If you don't have cash, get it later.”

In Helldivers 2, you are a member of a team of soldiers who have crash-landed on an alien planet and are tasked with surviving attacks from waves of giant, insect-like creatures.

The game was released to positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay and references to the 1990s sci-fi satire Starship Troopers.

It was a particularly big hit with PC gamers, easily beating the records set by previous PlayStation Studios titles like God of War.

Despite server issues – with fans kept waiting in long lines for matches to start – the buzz around the game has been tremendous.

And when one player urged others to stop “hyping” Helldivers 2 because he “didn't have the money” to buy the £35 ($40) title, Arrowhead boss Johan had some advice.

“Even though we made a really fun game, it will be worth the wait until the servers can support the capacity,” he replied.

“I mean, as a CEO, of course I want the game to be as profitable as possible, but if you spend [your] “The last dollar and I'm stuck in server lines, I'll be sad.”

Arrowhead admitted it was “struggling to keep up” with demand for the game, and on Monday capped the number of simultaneous players allowed at 450,000.

The success of Helldivers 2 comes on the heels of the surprise rise of Palworld – also known as “Pokemon with Guns” – which debuted to huge demand last month.