Sony recently backtracked on their decision that PSN accounts would be mandatory to access Helldivers 2. Continue reading to learn more about what led to this, how players reacted, and what Arrowhead said about the controversy.
Helldivers 2 Community Up in Arms Following Sony's Mandate
Sony Announced Mandatory PlayStation Network Linking
In an announcement last Friday, Sony Interactive Entertainment unveiled a significant change for players of Helldivers 2. Following the technical challenges encountered during the game's launch which resulted in server overload, Arrowhead temporarily permitted players on Steam to forgo linking their accounts to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. However, this grace period was set to come to an end, with mandatory account linking to become a hard requirement.
To have been made effective May 6th, all new players of Helldivers 2 on Steam would’ve been mandated to connect their Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account. Existing Steam players would gradually witness the transition to mandatory account linking, with enforcement beginning on May 30th and a hard deadline of June 4th for compliance. Emphasizing accessibility, Sony underscored that PlayStation Network accounts can be readily established at no cost through a simple registration process.
While Sony and developer Arrowhead Studios may have anticipated some resistance to the change, they likely did not anticipate the magnitude of the backlash and its consequences. One significant repercussion of this requirement is the exclusion of players residing in countries where PSN was not supported. For these individuals, access to Helldivers 2 would’ve become an unattainable prospect, sparking frustration and disappointment among the affected player base.
This led to more than 200,000 overwhelmingly negative reviews on the game’s Steam page, all from players expressing their dissatisfaction with Sony's mandate at the time of writing this article. Despite assurances from Arrowhead's CEO on Twitter that efforts were being made to accommodate players without access to PSN, the ultimate decision rested with Sony.
On the night of May 5th, tensions escalated further as Arrowhead's CEO took to Twitter (X) to express the studio's dedication to finding solutions for affected players, lamenting the lack of authority in the final decision-making process. Simultaneously, Sony's response to the outcry was resolute, with reports emerging that Helldivers 2 was delisted from Steam in a staggering 177 countries, amplifying the sense of discontent among gamers worldwide.
Steam Allowed Refunds Helldivers 2, Even Over the Two Hour Cap
Reports emerged of players successfully securing refunds from Steam, despite having invested substantial time and effort into Helldivers 2. One player, with over 200 hours of gameplay under their belt, shared on Reddit that they had managed to obtain a refund by submitting a request citing Sony's retroactive changes to the game mechanics and the imposition of legal agreements they did not consent to.
The post encouraged users to calmly articulate their concerns about the unexpected change and its implications for their gaming experience, before expressing gratitude to Steam for their consideration. Notably, the recommendation to have the refund deposited into the Steam Wallet was suggested as a means to expedite the refund process.
This wave of refunds coincided with Sony's decision to delist Helldivers 2 in 177 countries, underscoring the interconnectedness of these events. The delisting served as a poignant reminder of the intricate dynamics between game developers and platform holders, exposing the potential consequences of diverging interests within the gaming industry.
While Sony remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering security measures and fostering a cohesive gaming community, the collateral damage incurred by this decision underscores the need for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for all players.
Arrowhead Studios Not Safe From Backlash
While the majority of the ire was directed towards Sony, there are also some who expressed discontent towards Arrowhead Studios, questioning their handling of the situation and calling for greater transparency in communication with the player base. In response to mounting criticism, Arrowhead’s CEO provided insight into the development timeline of Helldivers 2, revealing that the requirement for account linking was among the specifications imposed by publishers during the game's development– a crucial bit of information they knew 6 months prior to the game’s launch.
Many players argued that Arrowhead should have provided adequate warning or communication regarding the impending mandate, citing a perceived lack of transparency and consideration for the player base's interests. The main bone of contention lies in the fact that despite knowing about the mandatory account linking requirement, Sony continued to sell the game to countries that did not support PSN, effectively locking out players who would later be required to link their accounts to continue playing.
Ultimately, the decision to mandate account linking originated from Sony, with a focus on "enhancing moderation capabilities within the game." Despite apprehensions regarding potential backlash, Arrowhead was compelled to comply with Sony's directive, culminating in the controversy that engulfed the gaming community over the weekend.
As Monday rolled in however, Sony has finally heard the deafening outcry and will no longer be moving forward with the update. Now, Arrowhead finds itself in a unique position, where while the cancellation may have alleviated some tensions and avoided further disaster Helldivers 2 must still navigate the aftermath of the initial controversy, addressing player concerns and rebuilding trust within the community.
Source:
Helldivers 2 Linking Update
Sony Delists Helldivers 2 in 177 Countries
SteamDB Twitter -X-
Helldivers 2 Reviews
Valve Issues Refunds
Helldivers 2 Refund Status and Guide
Arrowhead’s CEO Twitter -X- Post - They Knew About The Mandatory Linking
Arrowhead’s CEO Twitter -X- Post - They Do Not Have The Final Say
