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Helldivers 2 has become one of the most popular games of 2024, with it being an instant smash-hit and outselling titles such as Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It has also become the 7th best-selling Sony-published game of all time in the first two months of its release. With one of the most engaged communities seen in some time, it seemed like Arrowhead Game Studios could do no wrong, but that could be about to change as the community isn’t happy with the latest announcement by the developers.
In a blog post, Arrowhead Game Studios revealed that players will soon need to use a Playstation Network account to play Helldivers 2, even those on PC.
“Due to technical issues at the launch of HELLDIVERS™ 2, we allowed the linking requirements for Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account to be temporarily optional. That grace period will now expire.
Account linking plays a critical role in protecting our players and upholding the values of safety and security provided on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games. This is our main way to protect players from griefing and abuse by enabling the banning of players that engage in that type of behaviour. It also allows those players that have been banned the right to appeal.
We understand that while this may be an inconvenience to some of you, this step will help us to continue to build a community that you are all proud to be a part of.”
Understandably, this announcement has been met with criticism by the gaming community. So far, no other game published by Sony has forced PC users to link a PSN account, something which isn’t available in some countries that could now block those players from being able to play Helldivers 2. It is also worth noting that forcing this feature will allow players to request a refund for the game, regardless of playtime and time owning the game, should they wish to.
Over on this Helldivers 2 X page, where the developers also made the announcement, many players have taken to the platform to vent their frustration and call for the decision to be reversed, with @Bucky_cm saying “I’m sure this will be very well-received by PC players and everything will be smiles and rainbows.”
@BrockCarrow believes this decision will be reversed saying “They will backtrack this in less than a month. Big streamers and content creators are already dragging them,” while @Waldrada joked that “You better start working on a North Pole set of missions, because it’ll be a cold day in hell before I make a Playstation account.”
If you don’t currently have a PSN account, you can still make one even without owning a PlayStation 3, 4, or 5. The new change will come into effect for new players from May 6th, while existing Helldivers 2 players will have until May 30th to link their PSN account. Here is our guide on how to create a PSN account without using a console and linking it to Steam and Helldivers 2.
With the immediate backlash by the community, it is possible that both Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony could see that this move is a mistake, especially as it would block players in many countries from playing the game as PSN is only available in 70 countries worldwide. With all of the goodwill that the developers have built up with the gaming community, it would be a shame if something that is likely forced on them by Sony causes Helldivers 2 to suffer.
But, while players still have time before this goes into effect if it doesn’t get reverted, there is still time to enjoy the game, or if you don’t care about this change then it is just business as usual. If that’s the case, then it is time to get back to Helldiving and completing the latest Major Order which has seen the Terminids build a super colony and begin to become resistant to Termicide. To combat this, we highly recommend checking out our Helldivers 2 best weapons guide and best armor guide so you can effectively bring democracy to the galaxy.
