Tencent’s got gamers buzzing with its recent acquisition of a 15.75% stake in Arrowhead Game Studios, the creators behind the hit title Helldivers. Reportedly, the Chinese powerhouse forked out a whopping $80 million, valuing the studio at a cool $532.8 million.
That leaves the original founders  Johan Pilestedt, Emil Englund, Malin Hedstrom, Peter Lindgren, and Anton Stenmark  holding on to a significant 84.25% of the company. Last year, Arrowhead didn’t just break even; they boasted a turnover of $100.2 million, raking in an impressive profit of $76.2 million.
The Impact of Helldivers 2
Released on PS5 and PC, Helldivers 2 took the gaming world by storm when it launched last February. It became PlayStation’s fastest-selling game in history, smashing sales records with over 12 million copies flying off the shelves in just the first 12 weeks.
“It’s fantastic fun,†said Johan Pilestedt, Arrowhead’s chief creative officer and former CEO, expressing immense pride in the team’s achievement. He noted that the studio’s work resonates deeply with the gaming community.
What Tencent’s Investment Means
The Tencent deal isn’t just about money; it’s a gateway into a massive market. Pilestedt highlighted that accessing the Chinese player base is the “holy grail†for the gaming industry, creating endless opportunities for future projects.
Speaking on Discord recently, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani shared that the success of Helldivers 2 has provided the studio with newfound freedom in creating their next game. “Thanks to the amazing support from our community, Arrowhead’s future looks bright,†he stated, adding that they’re ready to explore innovative concepts that were previously beyond reach.
Jorjani also confirmed that the next project will be entirely self-funded, allowing the team to maintain complete creative control. This bold move could reshape the studio’s direction and further excite fans eager for new gaming experiences.