Sony, publisher of Arrowhead Games’ immensely popular shooter Helldivers 2, has U-turned on a move that would force PC players to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account before playing the game.
The requirement to link PSN accounts was intended from the game’s launch in February, although server limitations caused it to be pushed to June.
Therefore, those who have been playing since release, and don’t have access to the PSN service, could have been locked out of the game entirely.
The player response
Despite many commending Helldivers 2 for its brutality, meta-commentary on “restoring democracy” and cooperative fanbase, the player base turned against the developers in a huge review bomb.
Players have left almost 200,000 negative reviews on the game’s Steam store page in the last 30 days. Many are critical of the exclusionary move, claiming it is incompatible with the inclusive and cooperative nature of the game.
Steam’s response
Steam, a primary PC merchant of Helldivers 2, seemed to permit full refunds for those who said the game’s legal terms have retroactively changed, even if they had several hundred hours of playtime.
This is much greater than the usual Steam refund window of two hours or less.
Steam also suspended the sale of the game in 177 countries and territories where the PSN service is unavailable.
Arrowhead Games’ response
Arrowhead Games’ CEO Johan Pilestedt recognised that they had always planned to link PSN, but pushed it back due to server problems on launch.
He then insisted he was in discussions with PlayStation but did not have the final say.
Sony’s U-Turn
Sony rowed back a few days after announcing the PSN requirement, citing community concerns.
Player reaction
Helldivers 2 players have reacted joyfully to the reaction, with an uptick in positive reviews on the Steam store page.
Many have supported creating an in-game cape that represents the Steam review bomb, as it also resembles a team of four dropping into a mission.
Featured Image Credit: Arrowhead Games/Sony
2nd year Journalism and Politics student from Stockport.
