In order to access Helldivers 2 on PC, players will now be required to connect an active PlayStation account. This change has created a frustrating new barrier for many players globally.
The announcement of Helldivers 2’s requirement for Steam players to link their account to an active PlayStation Network has caused uproar among players.
Despite Sony’s assertion that account linking is necessary to safeguard players and maintain the standards of safety and security on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games, the initial optional nature of linking was due to technical difficulties at launch. This abrupt shift has resulted in a wave of backlash on social media and review bombing on Steam.
Despite the frustration of gamers with publishers’ growing demands for multiple accounts and connections, there is a larger issue with the changes in Helldivers 2 that may be overshadowed by the common complaints.
Helldivers 2 Players’ Anger Towards Sony
The Helldivers subreddit highlights that PSN is accessible in approximately 70 countries out of the over 190 recognized countries worldwide. In comparison, Steam is available in most places with internet access.
Countries without PSN access include the majority of Africa (excluding South Africa), certain European countries, and even a few EU member states such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
This implies that individuals in those areas, who have purchased and possibly played Helldivers 2 for several months, will no longer have access to their purchase after the June 4, 2024 deadline for current players, as they are unable to legitimately create PSN accounts to connect.
Creating an account for a supported region can pose a risk for individuals residing in areas where PSN is not accessible. According to PlayStation Network’s terms of service, “We retain the authority to suspend, terminate, or limit any Account…that utilizes or was established with fraudulent information.”This implies that players who engage in this behavior may potentially face bans.
The large number of players on Steam who enjoy Helldivers 2 makes it possible for many users to be affected, potentially preventing them from accessing their purchased content. Additionally, in countries where PlayStation Network is not available, new players may unintentionally purchase a game that they are unable to play on Steam.
Developers of Helldivers 2 address criticism
As of now, there has been no formal response or discussion of potential policy changes from either Sony or Arrowhead Game Studios in regard to the backlash. However, certain Arrowhead employees, such as the CEO, have shared messages directing players to contact PlayStation Support with any questions.
After the review bombing, he issued an apology and stated, “I hope we can regain trust by consistently providing a great game experience.”
Twinbeard, the community manager, reassured players on the official Discord that the decision to implement the new requirement was made by Sony, not by Arrowhead. He also mentioned that Arrowhead is actively pursuing Sony for more information on the “region related issues”that have been causing frustration among players.
Despite Arrowhead being aware of the problem and actively working to find a solution, it is essential for gamers worldwide to recognize that while it may be a minor inconvenience for those in the US and UK, it is a significantly more severe issue for players across the globe. This is a positive indication of Arrowhead’s efforts, but it is crucial for all gamers to acknowledge the impact on a global scale.
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