The creative director of Helldivers 2 and outgoing Arrowhead CEO, Johan Pilestedt, has expressed his aspirations for the studio to become the next FromSoftware or Blizzard, albeit the pre-2004 version of Blizzard. In an interview with GamesIndustry, Pilestedt announced his decision to step down as CEO in order to become more actively involved in the development of Helldivers 2. He highlighted his hopes that the new CEO, Shams Jorjani, will help lead the studio into a new era of high-profile success. Pilestedt stated, “I want to see how high we can fly… And bringing Shams on board, we have a good potential to realize that future of turning into the next FromSoftware or Blizzard.”
However, when a fan expressed concern about Arrowhead potentially following in Blizzard’s footsteps in a Twitter comment, Pilestedt was quick to clarify, “Blizzard before 2004 :)” This seemingly innocuous comment speaks volumes, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, including allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work culture culminating in a lawsuit and a $35 million settlement in 2023. Pilestedt’s discerning eye for the type of success he envisions for Arrowhead is both ambitious and cautious, aiming to achieve greatness while avoiding the pitfalls of the industry giants.
Striving for Success Without Compromising Values
In the midst of Arrowhead’s rapid growth following the massive success of Helldivers 2, the new CEO, Shams Jorjani, has articulated a commitment to steering clear of becoming a massive “500-person” studio and avoiding involvement in public trading. These bold declarations signal a departure from the industry norms that have contributed to some of the biggest issues plaguing the gaming industry. Jorjani’s stance is refreshing, given the current climate of the industry, but only time will tell if this philosophy withstands the test of Arrowhead’s continued expansion.
One particular drawback that has emerged from the momentum of Helldivers 2 is the presence of what Pilestedt aptly refers to as “shitty individuals.” The influx of toxic behavior and threats directed towards studio members from certain members of the community is a concerning development. Pilestedt expressed his dismay, stating, “The big difference now, which is horrifying, is the amount of threats and rude behavior that people in the studio are getting from some really shitty individuals within the community. That’s something new we have to deal with.” Jorjani expanded on this issue, highlighting the challenges of managing a rapidly growing fan base that extends beyond a niche audience. As he put it, “Almost all games have a bit of toxicity in the community, but with these big numbers you just get so many, so we need to work with the community to get them to self-moderate, give people the tools to speak with each other in a positive fashion, so we can keep talking to the players openly.”
Building a Path to Success Through Community Engagement
As Arrowhead Studios navigates the complexities of growth and success in the gaming industry, it becomes evident that the key to achieving their lofty ambitions lies in fostering a positive and engaging community. By empowering players to self-moderate and encouraging constructive dialogue among fans, Arrowhead can create a vibrant and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with a clear vision and a commitment to integrity, Arrowhead Studios may indeed carve out a path to becoming the next industry powerhouse, reminiscent of the glory days of Blizzard before 2004.
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