Arrowhead Game Studios has always been dedicated to making Helldivers 2 better and providing an exciting gaming experience to players. This has been seen in the game updates and the way the developer has taken cognizance of its player base’s requests to fix things and make new additions.
The studio’s CEO, Johan Pilestedt, who also serves as the game director, has been at the forefront of it all and has always been accessible to the fans. Pilestedt has now announced a huge change that could change everything about the game, and it may be the best or the worst thing.
Helldivers 2 Developer Arrowhead Game Studios Has a New CEO
Johan Pilestedt took to X/Twitter and announced that he is stepping down as CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, and Shams Jorjani will be the new CEO of the studio. Pilestedt revealed that he and Shams know each other very well, and he would not “trust” the studio in anybody else’s hands.
Shams has previously been a part of the team that published another game developed by developer Arrowhead Game Studios, Magicka. Pilestedt added that he will still be involved with Helldivers 2, as he will now take on the role of Chief Creative Officer, which will allow him to spend more time with the development team and focus on the game and community.
Hey everyone,
Big update, I've decided to hire @ShamsJorjani as the new CEO of @ArrowheadGS! We go way back and I wouldn't trust the business in any other hands than his. (…and he comes with an impressive resume and love for games)
But what about me and my involvement in…
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 22, 2024
Shams Jorjani has worked as the chief business development officer at Paradox Interactive and was also a chairman of the board and investor at Hooded Horse, which published Manor Lords. Fans reacted to this update from Pilestedt and wished him good luck in his new role. They also appreciated him for stepping down and lowering the position to work more on the game.
Pilestedt Will Spend More Time Receiving Feedback and Working On It
Helldivers 2 has been a smash hit and one of the biggest hits of 2024 so far. The game has sold over 12 million copies in just 12 weeks, breaking several records, and has a large community. However, it has also faced several issues and controversies, but Pilestedt has stated that he remains interested in feedback and making things better.
Reacting to the update, a fan asked Johan Pilestedt how he would be receiving and reviewing player feedback. Pilestedt replied to the player, saying that he wants to ensure developers are playing the game to know about things going on with the game, adding that “it’s hard to make the right decisions if the eyes aren’t on the road.”
Very good question. First thing we got to do is ensure we get more devs time playing the game. It's hard to make the right decisions if the eyes aren't on the road.
Secondly, I want to ensure we actively look at the sentiment and create a holistic view of WHY feedback is given.…
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 22, 2024
He also said that he wants to ensure that the team actively looks at the sentiment from fans and added that he wants to “create a holistic view of why feedback is given. And my working theory is that TTK is too high.” He has also said that the team will focus on longer-lasting content, which is very much needed given that Helldivers 2 has lost players in recent times.
What are your thoughts about Johan Pilestedt stepping down as CEO? Let us know in the comments below!
