Sony Backtracks on PlayStation Account Rule for Helldivers 2 After Backlash

Sony recently scrapped the controversial decision to require a PlayStation Network account for playing Helldivers 2 on all platforms due to player backlash. This change, which was initially set to go into effect on May 6 for new players and May 30 for existing ones, had sparked community outrage and led to a flood of negative Steam reviews. The Helldivers fan community expressed their displeasure aggressively online, which caught Sony's attention, leading to the cancellation of the required account linkage. The reversal of this decision has been met with relief from fans who were concerned about accessibility and the impact on Arrowhead's reputation, the studio behind Helldivers 2. Sony's move to retract the requirement is seen as a clear response to player feedback and underscores the influence of community opinion in the gaming industry.

The negative reviews on Steam for Helldivers 2 stemmed from Sony's decision to require players to link their Steam and PlayStation Network accounts to play the game, a move which was deemed unnecessary and restrictive by the fanbase, leading to widespread criticism and review bombing on the platform.

Helldivers 2 is a squad-based, twin-stick shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. A sequel to the well-received Helldivers released in 2015, the game is lauded for its intense cooperative gameplay where players work together to complete missions and defend "Super Earth" against various interstellar enemy species. The game has been developed as a community-focused title, heavily relying on the cooperative nature of its gameplay and has built a strong following since its inception. This strong community engagement was evident in the recent event where the developers quickly responded to fan feedback regarding the PlayStation Network account linkage requirement.