It’s no secret that Helldivers 2 is one of the biggest success stories of 2024. Developer Arrowhead Game Studios has capitalized on the game’s popularity with constant updates, looking to keep the title alive for the long-haul. While Helldivers 2 won’t be losing support anytime soon, Arrowhead is looking at new ventures for their next title.
In a statement made on X, one of the executives at Arrowhead released a statement that the studio is currently looking into a new title, but wants fans to give their input. While fans love Helldivers, a new title in the series is very unlikely, as any new content could probably just be added to the existing game with an update. This has opened up the conversation for fans to give serious input about an entirely new type of game from Arrowhead, leaving endless possibilities for the studio's next game.
Arrowhead Is Looking to Broaden its Horizons
A New Game is in the Earliest Possible Stages of Development
President and CCO of Arrowhead Game Studios, Johan Pilestedt, took to X to pose a question to the community:
The post garnered tons of buzz, as fans pitched their ideas to the executive. Pilestedt didn’t ghost the replies either, as he responded to many of the ideas thrown his way. One post gained a lot of traction, with Pilested even responding directly with concept art of a game that the studio had previously toyed around with as a potential release. The post referred to a spin-off title in the Helldivers universe where players are able to pilot some of the strategems that are featured in the main series. The game would particularly focus on playing as an Eagle pilot, making it an aerial combat game. The post also calls out the Star Fox series directly, referencing the on-rails nature of the games.
Pilestedt responded to the post showing off the first-person perspective of the inside of an aerial vehicle of some sort while stating that the studio has considered making a similar game previously. It is unclear if the art shows a game that is actually set in the Helldivers universe, but it would be surprising if a potential title was not. Helldivers is by far the studio's biggest hit, and it would be a risk to create a new game that is a completely new IP. However, Helldivers was relatively unknown until the series' success in 2024, so the studio could feel confident enough that they could capture lightning in a bottle once again.
If there was a potential spin-off title for Helldivers, an aerial combat game is at the top of the list for what would make the most sense. However, the studio has built up enough of a good reputation with the community that many are looking forward to any game from Arrowhead, regardless if it takes place in the Helldivers universe or not. So for fans of Helldivers, there’s no reason to be worried about the franchise’s future, as it won’t be abandoned anytime soon.
Helldivers Is Not Going Anywhere
Arrowhead Will Continue Support For a Long Time
It would be a huge waste tocompletely move on from the popularity of Helldivers 2, so it is safe to say that the game will stick around for a while. In fact, it is more than likely that the entire reason that Arrowhead is able to start development on new titles is because of the revenue from Helldivers 2. With the game still being incredibly popular, recently releasing one of the biggest updates the game has ever seen, Helldivers will continue to be the big money-maker for Arrowhead.
Arrowhead has hit the jackpot of the current gaming landscape, a popular live-service game that will be making money for years to come. While other studios attempt to be the next big game that can take all of the players’ time (and money), Arrowhead has the luxury of having already climbed that mountain, with a cash cow to fall back on if other ventures fail. Without Helldivers 2, the funding likely wouldn’t be there to experiment with different ideas. With a steady stream of income from their live service title, Arrowhead can afford to try new things with their next project.
What is at the core of both Helldivers 2, and from this early stage of the studio’s next project, is the developers are genuinely interested in what their fans have to say. It is obvious from the reception of the game, and the fact that Helldivers is an original IP, that the reason for success is that fans enjoy the gameplay and world that Arrowhead has created.
It is not uncommon today for game studios to try to create the next Fortnite or Call of Duty. However, the attempts to create a game with such a wide appeal end up with a result that doesn’t really appeal to anyone. Helldivers 2 is unapologetic in its gameplay and themes. One example being; friendly fire is typically avoided in games, but is a core aspect of Helldivers simply because it’s always funny to accidentally blow up your friends.
If Arrowhead approaches its next title with even a fraction of the care and passion of Helldivers 2, players have nothing to worry about. With executives at the studio actively listening to player feedback, ideas and asking for input, it is clear that the developers care about player enjoyment above all else, which is the real key to success. While Arrowhead’s next game is likely a long way away, fans should be excited about whatever project is coming next.
OpenCritic Reviews
“HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a 3rd person squad-based shooter that sees the elite forces of the Helldivers battling to win an intergalactic struggle to rid the galaxy of the rising alien threats. From a 3rd person perspective, players use a variety of weapons (pistols, machine guns, flamethrowers) and stratagems (turrets, airstrikes, etc.) to shoot and kill the alien threats. Players can also aim down the sights for a more accurate 1st person camera view. Combat is accompanied by frequent sprays of blood and dismemberment as players exterminate the alien forces or players and squad mates are hit by environmental explosions or friendly fire. Enemy encampments and battlefield environments depict bloodstains and dismembered corpses.”
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
