Johan Pilestedt, the creative force behind Helldivers 2, has decided to step down as CEO of Arrowhead Games to dedicate more time to his true passion: game development.
Johan Pilestedt, known for his role as the Creative Director of Helldivers 2, served as the CEO of Arrowhead Games until May 22, 2024. Pilestedt is highly regarded in the Helldivers community, especially for his transparent communication on social media. He regularly shares insights about the game's development, responds to player questions, and explains the team’s decisions.
Arrowhead Games CEO Steps Down To Focus On Game Development
In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Pilestedt revealed his decision to resign as CEO of Arrowhead Games, appointing Shams Jorjani as his successor. Pilestedt praised Jorjani for his love of video games and superior organizational skills. This leadership change allows Pilestedt to take on the role of Chief Creative Officer (CCO), giving him the freedom to focus entirely on game development and community engagement.
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
Pilestedt explained that his previous role had increasingly involved business responsibilities, which limited his creative input. As CCO, Pilestedt will now concentrate on driving the studio's creative projects forward, including creating more games like Helldivers 2. He emphasized the importance of having more developers at the studio actively play Helldivers 2 to better understand the game and make informed decisions. His goal is to ensure that the team remains connected to the gameplay experience, which is crucial for making the best choices for the game’s future.
This leadership shift at Arrowhead Games signifies a strategic move to enhance the creative output of the studio. With Pilestedt focusing on his passion for game development and Jorjani managing the business side, Helldivers 2 and future projects are poised to benefit from this balanced approach.