Backlash: Sony won't tie Helldivers 2 to a PlayStation Network account after Steam users protest

Sony Interactive will not tie Helldivers 2 on PC to PlayStation Network accounts after more than 200,000 negative reviews and backlash caused the game to be removed from Steam in over 170 regions. The need for registration in PSN would have made the game unavailable in many countries around the world.

Helldivers fans - we've heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. 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.

We're still...

- PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 6, 2024

"Helldivers fans - we've heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. 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. We're still studying what's best for PC players, and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2, we will keep you informed about future plans."

CEO of Arrowhead studio Johan Pilestedt, who previously apologized to the fans of the game for the situation, said that Arrowhead discussed the decision with PlayStation, after which it was canceled. Pilestedt also says that it was his decision to disable account linking during the release of Helldivers 2 to attract more players.

I do have a part to play. I am not blameless in all of this - it was my decision to disable account linking at launch so that players could play the game. I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn't talk about it enough.

We knew for about 6 months before...

- Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 5, 2024

"I do have a part to play. I am not blameless in all of this - it was my decision to disable account linking at launch so that players could play the game. I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn't talk about it enough. We knew for about 6 months before the launch that this would be mandatory for PS online games."

After Sony's announcement, fans expressed hope that future games would not impose the controversial requirement. Some players also urged not to be too harsh on Arrowhead because the studio "got caught in the crossfire."

Source: IGN