Illustration: Chen Xia/GT
Mutual support in the virtual world, consensus-building in digital spaces - recently, a global cooperative campaign in the popular video game Helldivers 2 has drawn public attention.
Players from different countries and cultural backgrounds, without official coordination or any institutional framework, spontaneously formed a collaborative system to jointly defend a virtual Chinese city - "Equality-On-Sea," roughly equivalent to modern-day Shanghai. This event not only demonstrates the unique emotional appeal of gaming culture, but also reflects the potential of cross-cultural communication in the digital age. It provides a compelling real-world footnote for the idea of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
In this video game, players faced a common external threat and had to protect at least one of seven virtual Mega Cities worldwide in order to turn the tide of battle. According to available information, the developers originally intended for all six cities - including "York Supreme" (virtual New York) and "Equality-On-Sea" - to fall, which would then trigger a scripted counterattack from the seventh city.
However, dissatisfied with the predetermined storyline, a massive number of players organized themselves effectively - players around the globe coordinated across time zones, divided responsibilities and formed a tacit joint defense system. US players even strategically abandoned the defense of "York Supreme" to support Chinese players in defending "Equality-On-Sea." With unexpected enthusiasm, they overcame negative in-game modifiers imposed by the system and ultimately succeeded in defending "Equality-On-Sea." It was more than a win within a game - it was a real attempt at global digital cooperation.
The significance of this stirring "cyber defense battle" goes beyond the game itself. It has broken through the confines of the internet to become a microcosm and a symbol of the shared aspirations of the world today. It reminds us that no country can face global challenges alone, and that people from different cultures still yearn for communication and are willing to collaborate in practice - even if, for now, it's only within the virtual landscapes of a video game.
In a sense, this event vividly illustrates the concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. The transnational cooperation and cultural fusion that emerged in the defense of "Equality-On-Sea" validate the feasibility and vitality of this concept on today's digital platforms.
Of course, reason tells us that such cases remain rare "miracles." In the real world, digital divides, cybersecurity threats, platform monopolies and cultural barriers still pose significant challenges to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. On a micro level, misunderstandings due to language barriers and cultural differences persist; on a macro level, the shadow of hegemonic power - far stronger than any scripted force in a video game - still looms over digital space. Instead of facilitating communication and collaboration, certain countries' strategies are increasingly geared toward dividing and isolating Western and non-Western populations. This trend runs counter to the original vision of an open, equal and shared cyberspace.
To transform the vision of a community with a shared future in cyberspace into an institutional reality, concerted efforts are needed on multiple fronts. First, strengthening multilateral mechanisms for global internet governance and opposing digital hegemony and rule monopolization. Second, building an open and inclusive digital culture that encourages people-to-people exchanges in gaming, social media, education and beyond. Third, recognizing the critical role of youth in the digital sphere and guiding them - through education and institutional support - to become builders and communicators of online peace and civility.
Interactions in virtual spaces should no longer be dismissed as mere entertainment. They are increasingly revealing their strategic potential to reshape international relations on a deeper level. The internet connects not just data, but hearts. A rational, inclusive and cooperative digital environment is essential as the foundation for promoting global understanding, building mutual trust, and preserving peace and stability.
Despite various challenges, there is reason for cautious optimism: building a community with a shared future in cyberspace is not an unattainable dream. It requires both visionary ideas and concrete actions. Starting from collaborative moments like the defense of "Equality-On-Sea," we have every reason to believe that the seeds of friendship sown in digital spaces will one day blossom into real-world peace and cooperation. In the future, international collaboration will not only take place in diplomatic halls or trade negotiations - but also in broader "virtual arenas," where new consensus and strength can be forged.
The author is director of the Research Institution for Global Cyberspace Governance at Fudan University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn
