PlayStation is involved in controversy after revealing that It will be mandatory to use a PSN account to play the version of helldivers 2 for PC. An announcement posted on the game’s Steam page mentions that starting May 6, all players will need to connect their Steam account to a PlayStation Network account.
The decision generated the rejection of thousands of users who accuse Sony of violating the terms of the contract. helldivers 2 has suffered a review bombing on Steam, recording nearly 100,000 negative reviews in a single day. In addition to that, players are demanding Arrowhead Game Studios on social networks to desist from implementing the measure, since they will lose thousands of users along the way.
The claim is not minor, nor is it a tantrum of the PC master race. The success of helldivers 2 on Steam not only has to do with the game itself, but with the reach it achieved in users who do not have access to a PS5. Requiring a PlayStation Network account three months after launch not only erodes trust, but will leave out hundreds of thousands of players who live in countries where there is no PSN.
To understand the drama of helldivers 2 and its possible repercussions on other PlayStation games, we have to analyze the keys that caused it.
What’s going on with helldivers 2 on Steam?
On Thursday, May 2, Sony Interactive Entertainment posted an update to the helldivers 2 from Steam. It explains that It will be mandatory to link the Steam account to a PlayStation Network account to continue playing. The company claims that this is for security reasons.
Due to technical issues at the launch of HELLDIVERS™ 2, we temporarily made the requirements for linking Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account optional. However, this grace period is about to end. Keep reading to find out the details.
Account linking plays a vital role in protecting our players and maintaining the security values that are guaranteed in all PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games. This is one of the main ways we protect players from toxicity and abuse, as it allows us to suspend users who engage in this type of behavior. It also allows players who have been suspended the right to appeal.
We know this may not be to everyone’s liking, but this step will help us continue to build a community that we are all proud to be a part of.
Sony mentions that all gamers helldivers 2 They will need to connect their Steam account to a PlayStation Network account starting May 6. Users will begin to see a required login and You will have until June 4 to link your Steam account or they won’t be able to play.
Sony made the decision, Arrowhead Game Studios is against it
Following the negative response from users, Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead Studios, stated that they were aware of the situation and working to resolve it. The manager published a GIF of the “This is good” meme on his X (Twitter) account in response to the bombardment of reviews on Steam.
Pilestedt also responded to a user who exposes the main problem: there are dozens of countries without access to the PlayStation Network. “I accept that it is an issue. We are looking for solutions on how to scroll through the country dropdown if your country is not listed.”
The Arrowhead boss has shared a link from Sony that mentions how to link accounts and asks players to contact PlayStation support directly if you have questions.
In addition to that, a Reddit user published Discord screenshots where the Arrowhead Game Studios community manager details what is happening.
“Internal discussions are taking place about the mandatory link change and, although I cannot reveal details, the response from our development teams has been quite negative and we are looking for better options.
If a better solution is not provided for players who are in regions without PSN coverage, I am sure we will not make the requirement mandatory for those players. We’re not going to force people to break Sony’s TOS or not play games.
“That change, the Steam announcement, and the FAQ come from Sony and not our team.”
Spitz
Arrowhead’s community manager adds that negative reviews, refund requests and complaints give them more weight at the negotiating table with Sony. Spitz adds that It hurts to see how the popularity of the game was affected after this decision, but the discussions continue and made it clear that the developers are on the side of the players.
If you don’t live in a country with PSN, you wouldn’t be able to play a PlayStation game on PC
Linking accounts uncovers a bigger problem for Sony. The requirement of a PlayStation Network account as a requirement to play leaves out the inhabitants of 120 countries.
Today, only 69 countries have official access to the PSN. If the measure goes into effect, all players in Africa (except South Africa), Eastern Europe and other unsupported countries will not be able to access a PlayStation game on Steam.
There is the option of creating an account from another country with false data and we can add credit with gift cards. This has been an alternative for many users, even before the official launch of the PSN in their region. The problem is that the Terms of Service clearly state that Sony may suspend or delete your account if you enter false information.
If Sony’s strategy is to expand beyond the PlayStation 5 with PC releases, Mandatory account linking is shooting yourself in the foot.
The drama of helldivers 2 has already spread to the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima. Steam requirements state that A PlayStation Network account is essential for online multiplayer. Linking will not be mandatory for those playing the single player mode.
