Helldivers 2 CEO Takes Sabbatical but Game Support Continues

Helldivers 2 has made quite an impact this week, with former CEO turned CCO, Johan Pilestedt, making headlines by announcing he’s taking a much-needed sabbatical. This news has fans buzzing, and for good reason — Pilestedt has been a central figure in shaping the game's community, often engaging directly with players about game balance, controversies, and even the early-day tensions between developers and fans. His direct involvement and playful attitude, especially around the game's tongue-in-cheek propaganda and refusal to acknowledge flying bugs, have made him a beloved figure among the fanbase.

But now, after years of hard work, Pilestedt is stepping away for a well-earned break. The news has left some fans concerned, but current CEO Shams Jorjani was quick to reassure everyone that it’s just a temporary departure. Jorjani clarified that Pilestedt is simply taking an extended vacation — a luxury he hasn’t had since the company was founded. With 65 days of saved-up vacation time, Pilestedt is finally taking the opportunity to rest. As Jorjani put it, “He's just beat.”

So, for those wondering if this marks the end of his involvement with the game, fear not — Jorjani confirmed that Pilestedt will return as the "grandfather" and sounding board for Helldivers, continuing to shape the game's future when he’s back from his break. In the meantime, Jorjani reassured players that the game’s future is still in good hands. “As long as people play, pay, and we can build a business case around it, we’ll support it to hell and back. If we can keep it going for 10 years, we will.”

This is where things get interesting. Jorjani went on to share his thoughts about the future of the franchise, suggesting that Helldivers 2 could continue for years to come without the need for a third installment. He pointed out how much the game has evolved since launch, noting the major improvements and additions already made to the game. When asked if supporting Helldivers 2 would mean putting Helldivers 3 on the back burner, Jorjani’s response was clear: "Compare Helldivers today to when it launched. It’s so, so much more. Now imagine Helldivers in three years. Tell me how that’s different from a hypothetical 'Helldivers 3'."

It’s a fair point — while the perspective shift from an isometric shooter to a third-person action game was a significant change, the game has already evolved so much since its release that it might be hard to imagine what a true sequel could bring. With revolutionary balance changes, new weapons, enemy types, and factions, Helldivers 2 has already cemented its place as a top-tier experience. If Arrowhead can keep the momentum going, who knows where it’ll be in three years? Maybe we’ll see some truly wild additions — perhaps even Hatsune Miku in a surprise crossover. After all, in the world of Helldivers, anything’s possible.