The delay of GTA 6 is a 'stay of execution' for Helldivers 2, but Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani predicts Rockstar's game will dominate the industry, 'blotting out the sun in an unimaginable way.'
Jorjani, in a recent interview, discussed the impact of GTA 6's delay on the gaming industry and his studio, Arrowhead. He explained that while the delay provides a temporary reprieve for Helldivers 2, it will also create a significant challenge for other developers.
'If it's releasing six months later, then it means that's another six months of uninterrupted work without the pressure of GTA looming over us,' Jorjani said, highlighting the positive impact of the delay for his team. However, he also noted that avoiding the influence of GTA has been difficult.
The CEO emphasized that Rockstar's game will have a profound impact on the industry, stating, 'When GTA 6 does materialize, it will blot out the sun in a way unimaginable for everyone else in the industry.'
Despite the delay, Jorjani remains optimistic about Helldivers 2's future, but he acknowledges the challenge of competing with Rockstar's juggernaut. He shared a humorous anecdote about his time at Paradox, where releasing games in Q4 was beneficial because the market was crowded, yet they were the only ones releasing grand strategy games.
'This is why, when I was at Paradox, releasing grand strategy games in Q4 was the best thing ever,' Jorjani recalled. 'It was crowded as hell for everyone else, but who else is releasing a grand strategy? Releasing in December was great for Paradox, and I think it still is.'
Jorjani's comments come as Rockstar faces scrutiny for its recent actions, including the firing of staff members, which has sparked a debate about union-busting practices. The situation has even reached the UK Parliament, where Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine urged ministers to support affected workers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the delay of GTA 6 and its potential impact on competitors like Helldivers 2 will be a topic of interest for gamers and industry observers alike.
