Arrowhead Studios, the developer behind the popular game Helldivers 2, has announced a leadership change within the company. Shams Jorjani, who was previously involved in publishing Arrowhead's game Magicka, has been appointed as the new CEO, replacing founder Johan Pilestedt.

While Pilestedt will continue to play a crucial role in the organization, he will now serve as Arrowhead's chief creative officer and chairman. This change in leadership positions comes as both Jorjani and Pilestedt were looking for new directions in their careers. They realized that by working together, they could better navigate their professional paths.

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Jorjani expressed their shared vision for the future, stating, "When it comes to the overall direction of the organization, I am still the chairman. So me and Shams are still going to have strategic conversations on how we are going to take Arrowhead into the future." The duo likened their partnership to the fictional characters Frodo and Sam from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, highlighting their determination to overcome challenges one step at a time.

While Arrowhead Studios currently aims to remain an independent studio, Pilestedt expressed a desire to reach new heights of success, comparing their aspirations to the likes of renowned game developers From Software and Blizzard. The duo also discussed the studio's focus on creating cooperative games and building a reputation as a flagship studio that attracts top talent within the gaming industry.

While the primary focus remains on Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Studios is also considering future projects and exploring opportunities for growth. Pilestedt emphasized the studio's ambition and appetite for creating more games, stating, "We have so much more to give, and so many more games we want to make."

However, both Jorjani and Pilestedt emphasized that growth will be measured and purposeful, with the aim of making exceptional games and fostering a positive work environment. They stated that Arrowhead Studios does not prioritize monetary gain but rather seeks to make great games and provide a platform for talented individuals in the industry.

In other news related to Arrowhead Studios, the development team behind Helldivers 2 has indicated a potential decrease in the frequency of updates in order to maintain a higher quality standard. This decision follows Pilestedt's earlier acknowledgment that balancing issues in Helldivers 2 were sometimes pushed too far, leading to concerns within the community.

Arrowhead Studios continues to forge its path in the gaming industry, with Jorjani's appointment as CEO and Pilestedt's transition to a pivotal leadership position. As fans eagerly anticipate the future of Helldivers 2 and the studio's upcoming projects, Arrowhead remains committed to creating exceptional cooperative gaming experiences while fostering an exceptional work environment.