Sony Interactive Entertainment is under growing criticism over its PlayStation Network account connection requirement for the popular PC game Helldivers 2. The debate has resulted in over 100,000 unfavorable customer reviews on the game’s Steam page.
The situation came up after Sony declared that from June 4th, all Helldivers 2 gamers on Steam will be obliged to connect their accounts to the PlayStation Network (PSN). While cross-platform cooperation had always been anticipated, the required part surprised many players.
Thousands of furious gamers flooded Helldivers 2 with scathing Steam reviews, which now number over 100,000. Players complained about a variety of issues, including the fact that PSN is inaccessible in some areas, thus keeping them out of a game they paid for.
Others accused Sony of seeking to artificially boost PSN subscriber statistics despite slowing console sales. The outcry grew when the CEO of developer Arrowhead Game Studios and other employees said they were taken aback by Sony’s move.
New updates from Spitz (Community Manager) pic.twitter.com/InTZnUUc0s
— Helldivers 2 Media (@Helldiversmedia) May 4, 2024
“Yeah, I was completely unaware how many countries didn’t have the ability to make a PSN account when I made that statement”. “I deeply regret implying that it was so easy for everyone to just sign up and not have to worry about it.
“It’s absolutely not our intention to force people to break Sony ToS or just not to play the game if they’re in a restricted region. There needs to be a better solution,” wrote Arrowhead’s community manager ‘Spitz’ on Discord.
To address the uproar, Valve has temporarily removed Helldivers 2 from some regional Steam storefronts and is issuing full refunds even outside of the usual 2-hour gameplay window.
