Arrowhead Game Studios will only consider developing a Helldivers 3 if it presents a dramatically different experience from its predecessor, Helldivers 2, or if the latter's player base significantly declines. This perspective was shared by Johan Pilestedt, chief creative officer at Arrowhead, during a recent discussion about the studio's next unannounced game.
Pilestedt confirmed that 95% of the studio's workforce remains dedicated to Helldivers 2, with a small, dedicated team currently engaged in prototyping the studio's next project. "Studio-wise, we want to grow on our own terms and know when to stop," Pilestedt stated, contrasting this approach with studios that rapidly expand after a major success.
Regarding the possibility of a Helldivers 3, Pilestedt expressed reservations about dividing the existing player base while Helldivers 2 maintains its popularity. He views sequels as potentially forcing players to start anew, whereas continuing a game's development can foster a long-term engagement, akin to enduring hobbies like LEGO or Warhammer. Pilestedt described Helldivers 2 as a "third space," a community hub where players can invest significant time and find community even after extended breaks.
"Some studios can treat players like a short-term cash grab," Pilestedt observed. "We see players as the actual engine of the game: they're the ones bringing in friends, making memes, and keeping the game alive. When you have an active community doing that, you don’t need a sequel."
He further commented on the current industry climate, noting that "the industry is panicking because the old live-service tricks don’t work anymore." Pilestedt asserted that "the biggest competitor to a Helldivers 3 would be Helldivers 2." He believes a sequel is only viable if it's distinct enough to allow both titles to coexist. "For now, making Helldivers 2 better every day makes way more sense than throwing away its momentum."
This sentiment comes amid a backdrop of numerous live-service game cancellations, suggesting a shift in player preferences away from persistent online models that can feel exploitative. The divergence between Helldivers and Helldivers 2, which transitioned from a top-down perspective to a third-person shooter with enhanced physics and weapon handling, raises questions about how a hypothetical Helldivers 3 might further evolve the series while maintaining its unique appeal.