The acclaimed developers behind Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios, have revealed they are actively working on a new, unannounced co-op action game. This news comes as industry veterans like Glen Schofield express candid opinions on the current state of the gaming industry, its challenges, and its future trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Arrowhead Game Studios is developing a new intellectual property (IP) built on Unreal Engine.
- The new title will be fully funded by Arrowhead, not in partnership with Sony.
- Industry veteran Glen Schofield criticizes executive decision-making and discusses the responsible use of AI in game development.
- Schofield also revealed his attempts to revive the Dead Space franchise with a potential Dead Space 4.
Arrowhead’s Next Venture
Arrowhead Game Studios, fresh off the massive success of Helldivers 2, is already charting a course for its next project. The studio has posted a job listing for a Senior System Designer to help build a "brand-new, unannounced project." This new game is described as a co-op action title, with the designer playing a crucial role in shaping its core systems, progression, and combat feel.
While details remain scarce, it’s confirmed that this will be a completely new IP, distinct from the Helldivers universe. CEO Shams Jorjani has previously stated that Helldivers 2 is intended to be a "forever game," with plans for ongoing expansion rather than sequels. This new project will be independently funded by Arrowhead, marking a departure from their partnership with Sony for Helldivers 2.
Industry Reflections from Glen Schofield
Meanwhile, industry veteran Glen Schofield, known for his work on Dead Space and Call of Duty, has shared his candid thoughts on the current gaming landscape. Speaking at Gamescom Asia, Schofield pointed to poor executive decision-making as a primary cause for many recent game failures, emphasizing that the issue lies with leadership rather than investment.
Schofield also addressed the growing role of AI in game development. He expressed an open-minded approach, advocating for its use as a tool to aid in brainstorming and efficiency, rather than as a complete replacement for human creativity. However, he was critical of claims, such as those made by Elon Musk, suggesting AI could rapidly produce high-quality games, calling such assertions "crap."
Hopes for Dead Space 4 and Franchise Woes
Schofield also revealed his personal desire to see a Dead Space 4 game come to fruition. Despite not being involved in the sequels to the original Dead Space, he has been actively pitching the idea to EA. He even offered to leverage his team and reduce development costs significantly, but his proposals were reportedly rejected by the publisher.
Schofield lamented the perceived decline of major franchises like Gears of War and Halo under new leadership at companies like Microsoft and EA, highlighting a broader concern about the direction of established series within the industry. The current gaming landscape, marked by studio acquisitions, layoffs, and cancelled projects, paints a picture of uncertainty, with a relatively sparse AAA release schedule anticipated for the coming years.
