If you’ve been spreading managed democracy across the galaxy in Helldivers 2, you know Arrowhead Game Studios knows how to make a hit. The cooperative shooter took the world by storm. Now, fresh off that success, the studio is leveling up. They’re developing a brand new, self-funded game, and it sounds like they’re ready to shake things up again.
Arrowhead’s Next Chapter: A Self-Funded Adventure
Thanks to the wild success of Helldivers 2, which sold over 12 million copies, Arrowhead has earned the freedom to go its own way. In a Discord chat, CEO Shams Jorjani confirmed their next project, codenamed “Game 6,” will be “100% funded by ourselves.”
What does this mean? Complete creative control. Jorjani explained that because of this, the studio gets to “call 100% of the shots.” This independence allows them to explore cool concepts without needing a publisher’s approval. It’s a huge move for the Swedish studio, giving them the power to build their vision from the ground up.
What We Know About ‘Game 6’
While the project is in its early stages, a few exciting details have emerged. Arrowhead is hiring for a Senior Systems Designer, and the job listing reveals a lot. The new title will be a cooperative action game built on a brand new IP. So, don’t expect Helldivers 3 or Magicka 3 just yet.
Perhaps one of the most significant technical details is the engine. The studio is looking for someone with expertise in Unreal Engine 5. This marks a shift from the Autodesk Stingray engine used for Helldivers 2, suggesting we can expect a big visual and technical leap in their next project.
Multiplatform Mayhem on the Horizon?
One of the biggest implications of self-funding is platform availability. Since Arrowhead isn’t tied to a publisher like Sony, which owns the Helldivers IP, they are free to release their next game wherever they want. This opens the door for a simultaneous launch on PC, PlayStation, and even Xbox. For gamers on all platforms, this is fantastic news. A new, top-tier co-op game from a studio known for quality could be coming to your console of choice.
Is Sony Out of the Picture?
The move to self-fund naturally led to questions about Arrowhead’s relationship with Sony. Was there a falling out? According to Jorjani, not at all. He praised Sony as “solid partners,” stating, “There would be no Helldivers if it wasn’t for them.” He’s kept the door open to working with them again in the future. The decision to go independent seems to be about creative freedom and financial opportunity, not bad blood.
Don’t Worry, Helldivers 2 Isn’t Going Anywhere
If you’re worried this new project means the end of support for Helldivers 2, you can relax. Jorjani has been clear that a “very, very small team” will be starting work on the new concept. The vast majority of the studio remains focused on Helldivers 2. He stated it will be their “main focus and will be for a loooong time.” As long as players keep fighting for Super Earth, Arrowhead will keep the content coming.
FAQs
What is Arrowhead’s next game about?
It’s a new cooperative action game based on a completely new intellectual property (IP). Specific story and gameplay details haven’t been released yet.
Will the new game be Helldivers 3?
No, it’s a new IP. Sony owns the rights to the Helldivers franchise, so Arrowhead’s self-funded game will be something entirely different.
What game engine will it use?
Job listings point to the game being developed in Unreal Engine 5, a popular and powerful modern game engine.
Will Arrowhead’s new game be on Xbox?
Since the game is self-funded and self-published, it’s very likely to be a multiplatform release, which would include Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Is Arrowhead finished with Helldivers 2?
No. The studio has emphasized that Helldivers 2 remains its main focus, with only a very small team starting the early concept work for the new project.
Why is Arrowhead self-funding their next game?
The massive financial success of Helldivers 2 has given them the capital to fund their own projects, which allows them to retain full creative control and publishing rights.
Conclusion
Arrowhead Game Studios is leveraging its success in a big way. By self-funding a new co-op action IP, they are betting on themselves and their creative vision. While this new adventure is just beginning, it signals an exciting future for the studio and for fans of cooperative games. It’s a bold move that prioritizes creative freedom, and we can’t wait to see what kind of mayhem they cook up next. For now, we’ll see you on the battlefield, Helldiver.