Johan Pilestedt, the creative director of Helldivers 2 and outgoing CEO of Arrowhead Studios, has set a bold aspiration for the studio’s future. He aims for Arrowhead to reach the heights of renowned game developers like FromSoftware and pre-2004 Blizzard. In an interview, Pilestedt expressed his desire to see how far the studio can soar and believes that the appointment of Shams Jorjani as the new CEO will pave the way for Arrowhead to achieve greater success.
When questioned about Arrowhead potentially following in the footsteps of Blizzard, Pilestedt made it clear that he is referencing the era before 2004, a time when Blizzard was highly regarded for its innovative and quality games. This distinction is crucial, especially in light of the controversies that have plagued Activision Blizzard in recent years. By aligning Arrowhead’s aspirations with the glory days of Blizzard, Pilestedt hopes to steer the studio towards a path of creative excellence and industry renown.
In contrast to the trend of mega-studios with hundreds of employees and public trading involvement, the new Arrowhead CEO, Shams Jorjani, emphasizes a different approach. Jorjani is keen on avoiding turning Arrowhead into a massive 500-person studio and steering clear of public trading. This strategic decision is a refreshing counter to the prevalent issues facing the gaming industry, such as workplace toxicity and exploitation. By prioritizing sustainable growth and maintaining a focus on creativity, Arrowhead aims to carve out its unique space in the industry.
Despite the success of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead has encountered a new set of challenges. Pilestedt highlighted the emergence of “shitty individuals” within the community, who have been engaging in threatening and rude behavior towards the studio’s employees. This unwelcome development underscores the need for vigilant community management and the implementation of tools to foster positive interactions among players. Jorjani emphasized the importance of self-moderation within the community to combat toxicity and maintain an open dialogue with players.
Overall, Arrowhead Studios is at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. With ambitious goals, a commitment to sustainable growth, and a focus on community engagement, the studio is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming industry. By learning from the successes and missteps of established developers and charting its path forward, Arrowhead has the potential to become a formidable player in the world of gaming.
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