Sony cancels PSN account requirement for Helldivers 2 following massive backlash – WGB

Sony has announced that it will not be going ahead with plans to enforce the mandatory PSN account requirement for Helldivers 2 following the huge community outcry.

“Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update,” said Sony on X. “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.”

Sony added: “We’re still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and we’ll keep you updated on future plans.”

Sony stated on Friday, May 3rd, that they would begin enforcing the need for a PSN account on Steam that was technically part of the game since day 1. Due to technical errors though, the need for an account had been waived in what Sony describes as a “grace period.”

The backlash was immediate and intense. Helldivers began punching in special stratagems, better known as leaving negative reviews. So many were posted that the game’s rating took a substantial hit which it will now need to recover from, although Steam will sometimes go back and remove reviews deemed off-topic.

One of the biggest controversies was that the PlayStation Network is only available in 69 (nice) countries, whereas Helldivers 2 was available on Steam in far more regions than that. Without the ability to make an account, people who had bought the game and been playing for hundreds of hours would no longer be able to play.

It led to Steam allowing refunds to people who had far exceeded the usual refund window. It also led to Sony pulling the game from sale in over 170 regions, a move which served only to stoke the flames of anger. While Sony has not yet talked about it, the game will presumably go back for sale in those regions.

Developer Arrowhead wound up caught in the middle of the crossfire as it wasn’t their decision to reactive the PSN requirement. With that said, CEO Johan Pilestedt did take on some of the responsibility, saying: “I do have a part to play. I am not blameless in all this – it was my decision to disable account linking at launch so players could play the game. I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn’t talk about it enough.”

In Arrowhead’s defence, the Steam store page did very clearly list the need for a PSN account. However, many people understandably took the lack of enforcement to mean that Sony and Arrowhead were fine with it being optional. The game as also being sold in regions in which PSN was not available.

Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt took to X to commend the community and its ability to collaborate. He also thanked Sony for making the decision to back down so quickly.

Firstly, I am impressed by the willpower of the @helldivers2 community and your ability to collaborate. Secondly I want to thank our partners and friends at @PlayStation for quickly and effectively making the decision to leave PSN linking optional. We together want to set a new… https://t.co/2rayksgH1v

— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 6, 2024

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Ghost of Tsushima is due to launch on PC soon and with it comes a new PlayStation overlay that will enable things like Trophies. This was described as being optional unless you want to play the multiplayer though, and amidst the Helldivers 2 chair, Ghost of Tsushima developer Sucker Punch has assured fans that a PSN account will not be needed to enjoy the singleplayer.