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The game - Helldivers2 - takes place on Super Earth in the 22nd century, and it’s a united planet governed by “Managed Democracy” - which is a fascist state made to look like a democracy to trick the citizens into thinking they’re living free.

In the game, you are from Super Earth in the 22nd century, which is now a united planet under a system called “managed democracy.” Managed democracy is an authoritarian state that uses propaganda to convince citizens they’re in a democracy. The game satirizes authoritarianism and nationalism. So “Hey fascist! Catch!” is irony. It’s self-referential. The players are essentially role playing as the bad guys while engaging in dialogue that criticizes the regime they serve.

O Bella, Bella Ciao is an anti-fascist anthem used ironically in montages from the game. The series of arrows, which the WSJ reported as signifying “transgender ideology” is actually the controller sequence to drop a 500kg bomb in the game.

Finally, “Notices, bulges” and “If you can read this, you’re gay lmao” are online gaming insults/memes.

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