Arrowhead’s beloved co-op shooter, Helldivers 2, is experiencing its first round of negative press, that too very overwhelming. The studio recently announced that PC players will have to link a PSN account to continue playing the game after May 6.
Hundreds of thousands of players were blindsided at the sudden change, which was optional at the game’s launch. Concerns about data security and regions without PSN access are being brought up, and Arrowhead has been taking the brunt of the blame, even though it’s not their decision.
Arrowhead’s Hand Was Potentially Forced By Their Publisher
The studio’s community manager, Spitz, revealed in Helldivers 2‘s official Discord channel that the mandate has been enforced by the game’s publisher, Sony. It was intended to be there since launch, but technical issues delayed the account linking requirement.
It’s unclear why Sony is so adamant on forcing Steam players to sign up for a PSN account and link it to their Steam account, with the leading theories being an indirect boost to PSN’s monthly active user numbers, gauging player data to help with future PlayStation live-service games, or as Spitz revealed, having the ability to ban PC players on their end.
Unsurprisingly, the PC playerbase has erupted with fury at the new rule, blowing up online discussion forums with vitriol and review bombing Helldivers 2 on Steam. Over 200,000 negative scores have been recorded so far, dropping the user rating to ‘Overwhelmingly Negative’.
Helldivers 2 Players Believe Sony Should Be Targeted
Many players, however, also realize that showing up on Arrowhead’s door with pitchforks and torches over a decision out of their hands isn’t fair either. YouTuber The Act Man recently expressed his rage over Sony’s poorly-planned decision potentially destroying the Swedish studio’s efforts over the last 8 years, with several others echoing the sentiment.
I think MOST rational people are blaming Sony for this, though Arrowhead does have to bear the brunt of the overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam.
— Karai (辛い) 🌶🐹🌶 (@Karai_Dan) May 5, 2024
Corpos don't have souls. Corpos never make decisions on what seems te be the best for their customers/partners/employees. Corpos always go for profit/growth/short term. There's like one honorable CEO on earth (in gideo games afaik). Poor devs, it's such an awesome game. 😒
— Godefroy Magnificat Munitorium Scribe 4012359d4 (@4012359d4) May 5, 2024
Hence why i dont buy Sony products, they hate PC gaming after all..
— Loaded395 (@Nightshift554) May 5, 2024
Arrowhead: Helldivers 2 is super popular and a big hit, we finally won the live service wa-
Sony: pic.twitter.com/1qhet2OrEQ
— MAJR (@MajrXD) May 5, 2024
they're making the worst decisions tbh, Arrowhead and it's community deserves better
— Juan Luis S. A (@jlsandovala) May 5, 2024
Prior to this announcement, Helldivers 2 was on track to be one of the best games of 2024. A recent sales report showed that it’s the highest-selling game of the year so far, and general outlook on the game was very positive.
However, the situation has gone very sideways. Sony’s meddlesome PSN requirement may have been mentioned on the game’s Steam page in a little box since its launch, but they should’ve communicated it more transparently beforehand. Moreover, selling the game in regions without PSN coverage knowing that the mandate will eventually come into effect is also a bit questionable.
Thankfully, Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt has confirmed that talks are underway with Sony to figure out what to do going forward, and that the playerbase’s criticisms are being heard and relayed.
On the other hand, Sony pulled Helldivers 2 from Steam in the 177 regions where PSN isn’t available, hinting that the publisher will stick to its decision. The next few steps have to be very delicate, or PlayStation’s first live-service hit may fade into irrelevance forever (at least on PC).
