Arrowhead Studios, the developer behind the smash hit Helldivers 2, has set its sights on becoming a major force in the gaming industry. After the game’s record-breaking success, the studio is undergoing a leadership shift and harboring ambitious dreams of reaching the heights of industry titans like Blizzard and FromSoftware.
A New Chapter for Arrowhead
Following the phenomenal sales of Helldivers 2, which became the fastest-selling PlayStation game ever with a staggering 12 million copies sold in just 12 weeks, Arrowhead Studios is poised for significant growth. However, Johan Pilestedt, transitioning from CEO to Chief Creative Officer, emphasizes a commitment to “measured growth.” There’s no intention of selling out or going public, just a desire to build a powerhouse studio that attracts top talent.
Pilestedt announcement:
Pilestedt announced, “We’re delighted to be an independent studio.” “We’d like to see how high we can go.” Adding Shams Jorjani as our new CEO would give us a fantastic opportunity to realise our dream of being the next FromSoftware or Blizzard.”
Jorjani, who previously worked for industry giants like Paradox Interactive, shares the ambition. “The goal of the studio is to make truly great co-op games,” he states. “We want Arrowhead to become a flagship studio, a place where developers who love co-op games say, ‘I want to work at Arrowhead.'”
Inspired by Legends
Both Pilestedt and Jorjani acknowledge the immense influence of studios like Blizzard, known for iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, and FromSoftware, the creators of the challenging and critically acclaimed Dark Souls series. These industry leaders serve as a source of inspiration for Arrowhead’s own aspirations.
“When we were growing up,” Jorjani reflects, “working at Blizzard was a dream job. I think Arrowhead has the potential to be that kind of studio, a place that fosters exceptional co-op experiences.”
Balancing Growth with Quality
While significant growth is inevitable for Arrowhead following Helldivers 2’s success, the studio leaders prioritize maintaining quality over rapid expansion. They acknowledge the challenges that come with managing a larger team while staying true to their creative vision.
The Future of Arrowhead Studios
With a renewed leadership structure, a clear vision for the future, and the lessons learned from Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Studios is poised for an exciting journey. The ambition to become a pillar of the gaming industry, alongside legendary studios like Blizzard and FromSoftware, is a bold one. Yet, with a commitment to quality co-op experiences and measured growth, Arrowhead has the potential to take flight and leave its mark on the gaming landscape.
