Arrowhead Games Sets Sights on Becoming the Next Gaming Giant

The unprecedented success of Helldivers 2 has taken the gaming world by storm. With 12 million copies sold in just three months, the co-op third-person shooter has become PlayStation's fastest-selling game, surpassing even the likes of God of War, Spider-Man, and Uncharted. According to Johan Pilestedt, Arrowhead's chief creative officer, the game's success can be attributed to various factors, depending on one's perspective. "For a business executive, it might be the live service element and the affordable price point. For a game designer, it could be the systematic nature of the game. And for an artist, it might be the stunning visuals and immersive environments." However, Pilestedt believes that the true secret to Helldivers 2's success lies in its willingness to break away from the status quo. "We made a conscious decision to create a game that doesn't conform to industry norms. We introduced mechanics that are not typically seen in games, such as friendly fire, and it's been a surprise hit with players." The success of Helldivers 2 has been a dream come true for Pilestedt, who has been passionate about gaming since he was eight years old. "I asked my dad how to start a video game company, and he told me to get good grades. Of course, that was a joke, but it sparked a fire within me to pursue my passion." As the team navigates the challenges of managing a massive player base, they are learning to balance the needs of their community with the demands of creating a great gaming experience. "We're seeing a lot of new faces in the community, and with that comes a mix of positive and negative feedback," says Pilestedt. "We're working hard to create a positive and inclusive environment for all players." Shams Jorjani, the new CEO of Arrowhead, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with the company since its early days. "I've seen the company grow from a small team to a successful developer, and I'm excited to be a part of its future," he says. "My goal is to enable the creative team to produce more amazing games, and to create a positive and supportive community for our players." As the company looks to the future, it's clear that they are committed to staying true to their independent roots. "We're proud of our independence, and we don't have any plans to change that," says Pilestedt. "We want to make games that we're passionate about, and we want to create a work environment that is positive and supportive for our team members." With a strong leadership team in place and a clear vision for the future, Arrowhead Games is poised to become a major player in the gaming industry. As Pilestedt concludes, "We're not in this for the money; we're in it because we love making great games, and we want to share that passion with the world."