Earlier today, it was announced that Shams Jorjani, who was previously part of the team that published Arrowhead’s hit game, Magicka, will take over the leadership role at the company, replacing founder Johan Pilestedt. This strategic change comes at a pivotal time for Arrowhead, following the remarkable success of Helldivers 2.
Leadership Transition at Arrowhead: What It Means
Pilestedt will remain a vital part of Arrowhead’s leadership, transitioning into the role of chief creative officer and chairman. This move signifies a new era for the studio, combining fresh leadership with the seasoned vision of its founder.
“We were both at a stage where we’re wondering what’s next in our careers,” Jorjani told GamesIndustry.biz. “And we realized we probably couldn’t quite get to those places if we didn’t have the other one to help us get there.”
A Strategic Partnership: Pilestedt and Jorjani
Pilestedt and Jorjani’s partnership is likened to the iconic duo Frodo and Sam from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Their journey is about taking one step at a time, solving issues as they come. “The strength of Arrowhead is the camaraderie that we share amongst the team and the desire to help each other,” Pilestedt stated. This partnership aims to harness their collective strengths to steer Arrowhead into a prosperous future.
Future Prospects and Potential Acquisitions
Following the huge success of Helldivers 2, speculation about potential acquisitions has been a topic of interest. However, Arrowhead plans to remain an independent studio for the foreseeable future. “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 From Software or Blizzard,” Pilestedt expressed.
While Helldivers 2 remains the primary focus, Arrowhead is also looking ahead to new projects. “We feel there is so much more to give, and so many more games we want to make,” Pilestedt shared. The ambition level and appetite of the organization have grown significantly. “We now have a taste of blood, and we want more.”
Jorjani emphasized Arrowhead’s goal to “make really great co-op games,” aspiring to transform the company into a flagship studio where talented individuals passionate about cooperative games aspire to work.
The newly-appointed CEO stated that the studio will not suddenly expand its workforce to 500+ members. “We will see growth, but growth as a means to an end, not as an end itself,” he said. “We don’t have plans to go public. None of those shenanigans. Measured growth that allows us to make amazing games and be a good place to work.”
Passion Over Profits
Arrowhead’s philosophy revolves around creating great games rather than focusing on monetary gains. “We don’t run the business for monetary gain. The humbleness and the desire to just make great games is the only reason we exist,” Pilestedt concluded.
This leadership transition, combined with their shared vision, sets Arrowhead on a path of innovative game development while maintaining the core values that have brought them success.