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Many of us are aware by now that Helldivers 2 is an overt parody of military propaganda, much like Starship Troopers before it. However, I don't think we were fully aware of just how far it was taking this satire, as it turns out we've been playing as kids this entire time.

In an interview with the Korean publication Inven, Arrowhead CEO Shams Zorjani jokes that the titular Helldivers aren't actually 18 years old yet. Helldivers 2's creative director Johan Pilestedt agrees, suggesting that the Helldivers aren't old enough to drive, which is why there aren't any vehicles in the game right now.

Helldivers 2's Player Characters Might Not Actually Be Adults

This part of the interview comes when Zorjani and Pilestedt are discussing lore reasons why Helldivers 2 doesn't have vehicles yet. Zorjani argues that this is because it would be too expensive for Super Earth right now, but admits that it would be “fun” to have a team of Helldivers on a vehicle together.

However, Pilestedt adds another reason why they haven't been added yet: “I am not sure if Helldivers are old enough to drive.”

Zorjan agrees, saying, “They are close to 18, but not yet.”

While this is likely just a joke reason for the devs not getting around to adding vehicles yet, it would add to the hilarious horror that is Helldivers 2 lore. It isn't very surprising that Super Earth is sending children out to face the Terminids and Automaton - they're burning through enough soldiers as it is. And lest we forget, child soldiers are also deployed in Starship Troopers, which Helldivers 2 is clearly inspired by.

So, think about that next time your Helldiver dies and you need reinforcements, you monsters. Who knows, maybe the vehicle update will include a birthday celebration for everyone? Or maybe Super Earth will just turn a blind eye to a requirement for a driver's licence, since there are much worse things going on anyway.