Following backlash and negative reviews, Sony has reversed its decision to make linking a PlayStation Network account mandatory for Helldivers 2. The controversy surrounding this decision also resulted in the game being removed from Steam in over 170 countries.
On May 3, Arrowhead, the developers of Helldivers 2, announced that Steam players would be mandated to link their PlayStation Network account as a new security precaution. This decision sparked significant backlash and controversy.
Despite having over 100,000 active players flooding its store page with scathing reviews, the game’s Director Johan Pilestedt admitted that he had no “final say”in the decision to delist the game from Steam in 177 countries. This was due to the lack of PSN support in those regions.
After facing significant backlash, Sony has finally retracted its requirement and issued a response.
Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward.We’re still…
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 6, 2024
Sony has acknowledged the feedback from fans of Helldivers regarding the Helldivers 2 account linking update. In a tweet, they announced that the planned May 6 update, which would have required new players and current players to link their Steam and PlayStation Network accounts by May 30, will no longer be implemented.
Many players took to the comment section to celebrate, expressing joy on behalf of Arrowhead while also criticizing Sony for their initial decision.
“Although this is a win for the players, you have tarnished your brand as a publisher,”stated Twitch streamer Pirate Software in response to Sony’s tweet. “This has made it difficult for many people to trust Sony in the future.”
“Perhaps in the future, it would be wise to listen to the developers. It is evident that Arrowhead is attuned to the desires of gamers,”another player responded to Sony’s decision. During the controversy, it was disclosed that Arrowhead was initially opposed to the change, as the game’s community manager shared that the reaction within the team was unanimously negative.”
Despite the controversy, the community manager for Palworld, Bucky_cm, noted that it remains to be seen how the influx of negative Steam reviews for Helldivers will impact the game’s reputation.
Johan Pilestedt, Director of Helldivers 2 and CEO of Arrowhead, made a point to acknowledge PlayStation’s decision in a recent tweet. In his message, he took the opportunity to commend both the players and the game’s publisher.
“Firstly, I admire the determination of the Helldivers 2 community and their ability to work together. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to our partners and colleagues at PlayStation for promptly and efficiently deciding to make PSN linking an optional feature. Together, we aim to establish a new benchmark for the definition of a live game, and demonstrate how developers and the community can mutually support each other in creating exceptional gaming experiences.”
As of now, Helldivers 2 still has an overall mixed rating, with recent reviews being overwhelmingly negative. However, there are some urging fellow fans to either delete or update their reviews in response to the changes in development and the sequel’s shift from Sony to Pilestedt’s team.
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