Helldivers 2's latest change labelled 'absurd' by fans who call for refunds
Helldivers 2 has been a huge success for Sony, marking the publisher's first "day and date" PC and PlayStation launch, but a new update has eaten through some fans' excitement like a hungry Terminid.
As per a new update on the Helldivers 2 Steam listing, players will now need to link their Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network one to continue playing.
Helldivers 2 will require a PSN account on PC
The post on Steam from Arrowhead Game Studios says:
"Due to technical issues at the launch of HELLDIVERS™ 2, we allowed the linking requirements for Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account to be temporarily optional. That grace period will now expire.
"Account linking plays a critical role in protecting our players and upholding the values of safety and security provided on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games," it continues.
"This is our main way to protect players from griefing and abuse by enabling the banning of players that engage in that type of behaviour. It also allows those players that have been banned the right to appeal."
As of May 6th, all new Helldivers 2 players on Steam will need to connect their account to a PSN account, while current players will have until May 30 to link them.
Players have not reacted positively to the change, though. One popular streamer and game developer, @PirateSoftware, posted on X (formerly Twitter) to say "Removing access from Steam players unless they make a PSN account and link it months after release is absurd."
"Review changed to negative and I have filed for a refund," they added, noting that residents of some countries are unable to create a PSN account without it being against Sony's own Terms of Service. Others note that the requirement was part of the game since launch, but was relaxed due to the initial server issues.
While it's unlikely to dampen enthusiasm for Helldivers 2 entirely (it's still a great game), it does feel like a change that's unlikely to make players happier. It also comes on the heels of Arrowhead Game Studios revealing the new Polar Patriots Warbond.
