Helldivers 2 Team Addresses PlayStation Acquisition Speculations

Johan Pilestedt, the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios and creative director of Helldivers 2, addressed rumors on Twitter about the game's potential acquisition by PlayStation. There was speculation about Sony acquiring Arrowhead Game Studios, along with Helldivers 2.

Helldivers 2, created by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a third-person shooter sequel to the 2015 game Helldivers. Released in February 2024 for PlayStation 5 and Windows, Helldivers 2 quickly gained popularity, selling a million copies within the first three days. Set a hundred years after the original game, Helldivers 2 immerses players in the battle of Super Earth against rebellious Terminids and mechanized foes called Automatons, offering a narrative enriched with environmental details and propaganda messages.

The rumors about Sony acquiring Arrowhead Game Studios were debunked by Pilestedt's quick response on Twitter. It all started with speculations from a leaker named Haothors, who gained attention for leaking news about Ghost of Tsushima coming to PC. Despite the buzz, there's no truth to the claims of Sony acquiring the studio and an official announcement is not on the horizon.

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Johan Pilestedt's Twitter Response

Johan Pilestedt took to Twitter to address the rumors swirling around, firmly denying the claims by stating, "This is fake... Unless I've missed something." He went on to emphasize the inaccuracy of the rumors, particularly pointing out a dated logo linked to the studio's early days. Pilestedt clarified that the news of the studio's supposed acquisition, responsible for the success of Helldivers 2, was completely unfounded. As a result of Pilestedt's clarification, leaker Haothors mysteriously deleted his Twitter account without providing any explanation.

helldivers-2-screenshot - Adopting a third-person perspective and leaving behind split-screen co-op, Helldivers 2 changes some things from its predecessor

Helldivers 2 makes some changes from its predecessor by adopting a third-person perspective and eliminating split-screen co-op. One of the new features is the addition of Stratagems, which allow players to deploy different tools during missions. The game also includes elements like friendly fire and an armor system that simulates real firearms. Additionally, Helldivers 2 offers multiplayer functionality for up to four players, with the option for cross-play between platforms. However, it does not have a single-player campaign.

The potential acquisition of Helldivers 2 wouldn't have been overly surprising, given Sony's track record of strategic acquisitions of notable game studios like Insomniac Games, Bluepoint Games, Housemarque, Firesprite, and more.

As Johan Pilestedt's response dispels the rumors surrounding Helldivers 2's acquisition by PlayStation, the community can continue to enjoy the game without concerns of any imminent changes in ownership or exclusivity.

Editor's P/S:

The article effectively addresses the recent rumors regarding the potential acquisition of Helldivers 2 and Arrowhead Game Studios by PlayStation. It begins by acknowledging the speculations and provides background information on the game and its success. However, the article's strength lies in Johan Pilestedt's swift response on Twitter, which promptly debunks the claims and brings clarity to the situation.

The article's clear and concise writing style effectively conveys the information, while the inclusion of Pilestedt's tweet and the debunked leaker's reaction adds credibility to the denial. The article concludes by highlighting Helldivers 2's notable features and dispelling any concerns about changes in ownership or exclusivity. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the rumors and their resolution, leaving readers informed and reassured about the game's future.