Helldivers 2 PSN Account Workaround Could Lead to Bans

Helldivers 2 players have expressed concerns that existing PlayStation Network account workarounds might lead to a permanent ban on their account. Arrowhead Game Studios’ massively popular PvE shooter previously announced it would require players to link their Steam to a PSN account by the end of the month, which was met with overwhelming outrage by its community. Many Helldivers 2 players have since questioned how the developers plan on enforcing the rule, particularly for countries or regions that do not have access to PSN.

Since its release in February 2024, Helldivers 2 has consistently won favor from its community with its exhilarating PvE gameplay and the efforts of its development team to keep in touch with the community. However, public perception of the title turned sour overnight after it was announced that Steam players would be required to link their accounts to Sony’s PSN system if they wanted to keep playing. Many fans pointed out how PSN was unavailable in a number of countries, which meant players who lived within these territories might be forced to lie about their country of residence if they intended to continue spreading managed democracy.

Related

Helldivers 2: How to Link Steam Account to PlayStation Network

In this guide, you’ll learn how to link your Steam account to PlayStation Network so you can continue your journey as a Helldiver in Helldivers 2.

Players were also worried the proposed workaround to PSN’s issues might cause a larger problem down the line. As some fans pointed out, section 3 of the PSN Terms of Service labeled under Account Creation, Usage, and Security specifically prohibited players from providing false information while registering, which meant users were not allowed to create their account under a region where they did not reside. Under the ToS, Sony holds the right to punish violators of the rule, whose accounts could be subjected to a permanent ban.

Helldivers 2 Players Outraged by PSN Account Requirements

While some online users admitted that Sony seldom enforced the rule, many players remain distrustful of the company. They believe the PSN account requirement is a betrayal of the PC community, with others pointing out how the company also recently changed one of the answers in its PSN FAQ page following the Helldivers 2 controversy without explanation or prior warning.

In response to the overwhelming backlash against the new account linking requirement, Helldivers 2 developers have been attempting to mollify its fanbase, with several community managers from the Helldivers 2 Discord server stating that the studio was still discussing possible alternatives with Sony. Helldivers 2 director Johan Pilestedt additionally responded to disgruntled players, agreeing that the recent outcry was warranted but still hoping Arrowhead Game Studios will continue improving upon the title.

With Helldivers 2 user review scores on a steady decline, it’s difficult to predict how or even if the title will ever reach the same level of goodwill it cultivated in the weeks following its release. Even if possible, Helldivers 2 developers will have to walk a long and difficult road if they truly hope to rebuild the community’s trust.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is a third-person cooperative shooter developed by Arrowhead games Studios for the PC and PlayStation 5 where players take control of a Helldiver set to protect the citizens of Super Earth by traveling to hostile alien worlds and destroying threats. Players undergo missions, defeat enemies, and use special items called Stratagems to help turn the tide of battle in this punishing release.

Franchise

Helldivers

Released

February 8, 2024

Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios

Genre(s)

Shooter

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence

Metascore

83

Platforms That Support Crossplay

PC & PS5

Number of Players

1-4