Tag Archives: Arrowhead Studios

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

A New Front for Super Earth: Helldivers 2 will land on Xbox this Augusts

After dominating PlayStation 5 and PC with its frenetic co-op warfare, Helldivers 2 is finally storming Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025. Pre-orders are live at $39.99, matching its price on other platforms. Expect:

  • Full cross-play with PS5 and PC friends
  • All core stratagems, missions and Warbond Battle Pass content intact
  • Optimized 4K visuals and up to 60 FPS on Xbox Series X|S

This marks PlayStation Studios’ first self-published arrival on Xbox, underscoring a growing trend of console-brand détente and in an interesting note, also on August 26, 2025, Microsoft unleashes Gears of War: Reloaded—the definitive remaster of the 2006 blockbuster—onto Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC and Steam. Key highlights include:

  • True 4K campaign at 60 FPS; multiplayer up to 120 FPS
  • All Ultimate Edition DLC (bonus act, maps, characters) at no extra cost
  • Cross-play and cross-progression across every platform (sign-in with a Microsoft Account required)
  • Day-one availability on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
  • Free upgrade for existing digital owners of the Ultimate Edition

This release shatters two decades of exclusivity, inviting both Xbox and PlayStation communities to relive Marcus and Dom’s origin story.

Head-to-Head Release Snapshot

FeatureHelldivers 2Gears of War: Reloaded
Release DateAugust 26, 2025August 26, 2025
PlatformsXbox Series X & SS, PS5, PC
Price$39.99$39.99
Cross-PlayYes (PS5, PC & Xbox)Yes (all platforms)
Cross-ProgressionNot supported at launchYes (with MS Account)
Game Pass Day-OneNoYes
Upgrade PathN/AFree for Ultimate Edition digital owners

August 26 becomes a landmark date: PlayStation’s breakout live-service hit joins Xbox’s storied cover-to-cover remaster in one epic dispatch. Gamers gain unprecedented flexibility—whether you’re rallying Super Earth’s bravest or chainsawing Locusts, the war for inter-platform unity is officially won.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Tencent Acquires 15% Stake in Arrowhead Game Studios

In a significant move within the gaming industry, Tencent Games has acquired a 15.75% stake in Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind the hit game Helldivers 2. The deal, valued at $80 million, positions Tencent as a minority shareholder while the remaining 84.25% of the company remains in the hands of its founders.

Tencent, a Chinese technology conglomerate, has a history of investing in gaming studios worldwide. The company has previously acquired stakes in Ubisoft, Riot Games, Epic Games, and 10 Chambers, among others. This latest investment in Arrowhead aligns with Tencent’s strategy of expanding its influence in the gaming industry while gaining access to Western game developers.

Arrowhead’s CEO, Johan Pilestedt, welcomed the investment, stating that it would help open up opportunities in the Chinese gaming market, which is considered the “holy grail” for game developers due to its massive player base.

Arrowhead Game Studios has seen tremendous success with Helldivers 2, which became PlayStation’s fastest-selling game with over 12 million copies sold in its first 12 weeks. The studio reported a turnover of $100.2 million last year, with a profit of $76.2 million, making it an attractive investment for Tencent.

Despite Tencent’s minority stake, Arrowhead retains full creative control over its projects. The studio’s leadership has emphasized that the investment will not alter its development philosophy but will instead provide greater financial stability and access to new markets.

Tencent’s Growing Influence in Gaming

Tencent’s investment in Arrowhead is part of a broader trend of Chinese companies expanding their presence in Western gaming. The company has been actively acquiring stakes in major gaming studios, including Ubisoft’s Level Infinite, which focuses on publishing high-quality games for a global audience.

With this latest acquisition, Tencent continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in the gaming industry, leveraging its financial power to support promising studios while expanding its reach into new markets.

What’s Next for Arrowhead?

Following the success of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead is now working on its next major project, internally referred to as Game 6. The studio has confirmed that this game will be 100% self-funded, allowing them to maintain full creative control over its development.

As Tencent integrates its resources with Arrowhead, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds. Will Tencent’s involvement lead to new opportunities for Arrowhead, or will it raise concerns about corporate influence in game development?

One thing is certain—Arrowhead’s future looks brighter than ever, and Tencent’s investment is a testament to the studio’s growing reputation in the gaming world.

Games, Gaming, News

Arrowhead Studios is busy and not just Helldivers 2

In a recent post on X, Johan Pilestedt, the creative director of Helldivers 2, revealed that he’s already planning Arrowhead Game Studios’ next game. With just minutes to go before 2025, Pilestedt shared his excitement and curiosity about what fans would like to see in the studio’s next project.

Since its release in February 2024, Helldivers 2 has been a massive hit, becoming PlayStation’s fastest-selling game launch ever.

The game sold over 12 million copies across PC and PS5 in its first 12 weeks, surpassing even God of War Ragnarök. The success of Helldivers 2 has allowed Arrowhead to continue updating the game and even hinting at a potential “Helldivers 3” in the future.

Fan Input

Pilestedt is actively seeking fan feedback and speculation on what the next Arrowhead game should be. He mentioned that he is working on the high concept for the new game but is eager to hear what fans envision. Some fans have suggested ideas like a remake of Smash TV or an on-rails aircraft game similar to Star Fox.

While Helldivers 2 continues to receive updates and new content, Arrowhead is already looking ahead to their next big project. Pilestedt has shared that the studio has conceptualized several ideas, including some that never made it to the final stages. This openness about the studio’s creative process has excited fans and given them a glimpse into the potential future of Arrowhead’s games.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Killzone has made its return but as a collab with Helldivers 2

The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Helldivers 2 announces a thrilling collaboration with the iconic Killzone series! This crossover brings together the intense, cooperative gameplay of Helldivers with the gritty, futuristic world of Killzone, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of both franchises.

The collaboration features a range of Killzone-inspired armor sets, weapons, and cosmetics. Players can now gear up with the StA-52 Assault Rifle, AC-1 Dutiful Helmet, and AC-1 Dutiful Armor, all reminiscent of the Helghast faction from Killzone.

The collaboration also includes a high-capacity StA-11 SMG and a powerful PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle, adding new layers of strategy and firepower to the game.

Community Feedback and Adjustments

Initially, the collaboration faced some backlash due to the high prices of the items. However, Arrowhead Game Studios listened to the community’s feedback and decided to offer some of the items for free. Players can now enjoy the StA-11 SMG and PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle without spending any in-game currency. Additionally, the duration of items in the Superstore has been extended to reduce the fear of missing out (FOMO) effect.

The collaboration is just the beginning, with Arrowhead Game Studios planning more exciting updates and events. The developers are committed to bringing more content and ensuring that the collaboration remains a valuable addition to the game.

Meanwhile…

Sony announced a special Helldivers 2 Limited Edition of the PS5 DualSense controller that will be sold exclusively on the PS Direct on US market.

The controller will cost $84.99