Summary
Helldivers 2players have expressed concerns that existing PlayStation Network account workarounds might lead to a permanent ban on their account. Arrowhead Game Studios' massively popular PvE shooter previously announced it would require players to link their Steam to a PSN account by the end of the month, which was met with overwhelming outrage by its community. ManyHelldivers 2players have since questioned how the developers plan on enforcing the rule, particularly for countries or regions that do not have access to PSN.
Since its release in February 2024,Helldivers 2has consistently won favor from its community with its exhilarating PvE gameplay and the efforts of its development team to keep in touch with the community. However, public perception of the title turned sour overnight after it was announced that Steam players would berequired to link their accounts to Sony’s PSNsystem if they wanted to keep playing. Many fans pointed out how PSN was unavailable in a number of countries, which meant players who lived within these territories might be forced to lie about their country of residence if they intended to continue spreading managed democracy.
Players were also worried the proposed workaround to PSN’s issues might cause a larger problem down the line. As some fans pointed out, section 3 of thePSN Terms of Servicelabeled under Account Creation, Usage, and Security specifically prohibited players from providing false information while registering, which meant users were not allowed to create their account under a region where they did not reside. Under the ToS, Sony holds the right to punish violators of the rule, whose accounts could be subjected to a permanent ban.
Helldivers 2 Players Outraged by PSN Account Requirements
While some online users admitted that Sony seldom enforced the rule, many players remain distrustful of the company. They believe the PSN account requirement is a betrayal of the PC community, with others pointing out how the company also recently changed one of the answers in itsPSN FAQ page following theHelldivers 2controversywithout explanation or prior warning.
In response to the overwhelming backlash against the new account linking requirement,Helldivers 2developers have been attempting to mollify its fanbase, with several community managers from theHelldivers 2Discord server stating that the studio was still discussing possible alternatives with Sony.Helldivers 2director Johan Pilestedt additionally respondedto disgruntled players, agreeing that the recent outcry was warranted but still hoping Arrowhead Game Studios will continue improving upon the title.
WithHelldivers 2user review scores on a steady decline, it’s difficult to predict how or even if the title will ever reach the same level of goodwill it cultivated in the weeks following its release. Even if possible,Helldivers 2developers will have to walk a long and difficult road if they truly hope to rebuild the community’s trust.
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
