Helldivers 2 has found itself embroiled in a massive amount of “hellish” dramas. Sorry, but there’s no other way to describe the mayhem unfolding around this game without the use of predictable puns.
Sony’s decision to require PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts for Helldivers 2 on PC has caused significant backlash.
Despite initial assurances that players in regions without PSN access could continue playing, Helldivers 2 has now been removed from over 170 territories on Steam. This leaves existing players in those regions uncertain if they’ll be able to access the game they’ve already purchased.
Helldivers 2 became one of Sony’s most popular games ever, mostly due to PC access. But now things are taking a rough turn.
To make it all worse, Steam only issues refunds for players with less than 2 hours of playtime in-game. So there’s a lot of upset gamer folks out there right now.
Valve, the operators of Steam, have reportedly been issuing refunds to long-time Helldivers 2 players with significantly more than the usual two-hour playtime limit. This appears to be an exception to their standard refund policy, likely in response to the PSN requirement being implemented months after the game’s launch.
A Helldivers 2 developer has emphasized that the PSN mandate originates from Sony and not the Arrowhead Studios development team. Issuing refunds seems to be an effective way for players to express their dissatisfaction, rather than directing negativity towards the developers. Sony, having announced the policy on a Friday, has yet to officially address the intense backlash that has developed over the weekend.
The backlash has led to a flood of negative reviews.
And there is much backlash happening all over social media.
Helldivers 2 is a top-down, twin-stick, cooperative shooter where teamwork is everything.
Set in a satirical dystopian future, you take on the role of an elite Helldiver, fighting for the ironically named “Super Earth.” Up to 4 players can team up online to complete missions and defend Super Earth.