Helldivers 2 Ditches Unwanted Cash Grab After PR Disaster - Sony Admits Mistakes

The recent uproar among gamers regarding the proposed PSN account requirement for playing Helldivers 2 has led to a significant reversal by Sony. Initially, players would have needed to link their Steam account with a PSN account to access the game from June onwards. However, this mandate was met with intense backlash, including a review bombing campaign on Steam where the game’s rating plummeted. Facing criticism and the inability to sell the game in countries where creating a PSN account isn't an option, Sony decided against implementing this requirement.

Despite the about-face, the controversy has undoubtedly affected Helldivers 2's reputation, and it may take time for the game to recover its standing within the community. Arrowhead's CEO, Johan Pilestedt, expressed regret over the situation and hoped to restore trust by continuing to provide a great gaming experience. With the change, the PSN linkage remains optional, and it's uncertain whether Sony's future PC releases will face similar issues. The decision's longer-term implications remain to be seen.

The controversy arose because Sony announced that starting from June, Helldivers 2 players would be required to link their Steam accounts with a PSN account to continue playing the game. This led to severe backlash from the community, review bombing on Steam, and potential sales issues in countries without PSN support. Sony retracted the decision in response to the uproar.

As background, Helldivers 2 is a sequel to the original Helldivers, a tactical, squad-based shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Mobile. The game is known for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay, where players work together to complete missions and survive against difficult odds. The original game was applauded for its challenging gameplay mechanics and its tendency to promote teamwork. With the sequel, it seems there's a continued expectation for the game to build upon this legacy, though this recent controversy might have somewhat marred its anticipated success.