Arrowhead, the developers behind the hit game Helldivers 2, have recently addressed concerns from the community about potentially shifting focus away from the game to work on their next project, tentatively called "Game 6." This discussion was sparked by a statement from CEO Shams Jorjani in the official Helldivers Discord, following the game's significant update involving the full-scale Illuminate invasion.
Jorjani expressed gratitude for the support from the Helldivers 2 community, stating that it has provided Arrowhead with the resources and freedom to explore new projects. However, he quickly reassured fans that Helldivers 2 remains the primary focus for the studio. "It's ALL Helldivers 2 for now," Jorjani emphasized, noting that only a very small team would start working on the new project later in the year, ensuring that the majority of resources are dedicated to Helldivers 2 for the foreseeable future.
In terms of longevity, Jorjani was optimistic about the continued development of Helldivers 2, stating that as long as players keep engaging with the game and purchasing Super Credits, the studio can maintain a steady stream of content updates. He also reflected on the game's development challenges, admitting that last summer was particularly tough but that the team managed to turn things around, thanks to strong community support.
Looking ahead, Jorjani shared insights on the development approach for Game 6, aiming to learn from the eight-year development of Helldivers 2. He stressed the importance of nailing the core elements early in the development process, which would allow for a smoother and more efficient creation of the game.
Interestingly, Jorjani also hinted at a significant change in Arrowhead's business model for Game 6, stating that it will be fully self-funded, allowing the studio complete control over its distribution and availability. This move away from external publishers like Sony suggests that Game 6 will not be a direct sequel to Helldivers 2.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Helldivers 2, such as the PSN account requirement on Steam and fluctuating community sentiments regarding game balance, Arrowhead remains committed to its long-term vision. Production Director Alex Bolle echoed this sentiment in a recent interview with IGN, expressing enthusiasm for the game's future and the potential to introduce innovative features and systems that align with the Helldivers 2 experience.
Leaks have also suggested exciting new content on the horizon, including the possibility of Super Earth becoming a playable map as the Illuminate invasion reaches our home planet.