Summary
Arrowhead’s popular co-op shooterHelldivers 2has been delisted from Steam in over 170 regions. This drastic step follows a controversial decision by publisher Sony, mandating Steam players to connect their accounts to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account before June 4 to continue playingHelldivers 2.
This unexpected switch-up incited severe outrage in theHelldivers 2community, as linking a PSN account to the game was an option at launch. Arrowhead cites technical issues as the reason behind the delayed implementation, stating that the requirement was always mentioned on the Steam page, for those shocked by the mandate. However, the player base has pointed out several issues with the new rule, with the lack of PSN access in some countries being the biggest of them all. TheHelldivers 2developer confirmed internal discussionsto rectify the problem, but it appears more issues have surfaced for gamers in some regions.
Helldivers 2has been removed from Steam in precisely the regions unsupported by PlayStation Network. The Steam Database Twitter account posted a list of all the countries whereHelldivers 2can no longer be purchased, and the exact current count stands at 177 regions. It’s unclear whether this step is temporary to give Sony and Arrowhead some breathing room to figure out the solution, but existing players in those regions will no doubt be awash with uncertainty over whether they can still access their purchase, or perhaps even facea ban for using a PSN workaround.
Even Valve is Aware of the Helldivers 2 Outrage
Players are expectedly furious at Arrowhead and Sony, as they’ve resorted to review bombingHelldivers 2on Steam, dragging down the user score to a paltry “Mostly Negative.” This debacle has also cast a shadow of doubt overHelldivers 2’s future, which, up until this point, looked quite strong. The circumstances are quite dire now, as evenSteam is reportedly issuing refunds forHelldivers 2, even for players with over 100 hours of playtime, exceeding its usual two-hour limit policy.
Despite the escalating controversy, Sony has yet to offer an official response to the backlash, further aggravating players. Arrowhead CEO andHelldivers 2director Johan Pilestedt acknowledged the review bombingand apologized to fans, but said the decision is ultimately up to Sony. Many predicted that the publisher would walk back on the decision after the outrage, but now that access to the game has been restricted in a large portion of the market, it seems Sony is sticking to its guns about the PSN mandate.
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.
