Many PC gamers are upset about a new rule for the popular online game Helldivers 2. Sony, the company that makes PlayStation, owns the game. They announced that soon all players must connect their game account to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
When the game first came to Steam, Sony’s online PC store, players did not need a PSN account. This was only temporary because of technical problems. Now Sony says the time for not needing a PSN account is ending. All players will have to make a PSN account and link it to their Helldivers 2 account to keep playing.
Sony says the main reasons for this rule are security and stopping bad behavior. By requiring PSN accounts, they think they can better ban players who cause problems. They also say it will help if players want to appeal bans. However, this has not made most PC players happy with the change.
Many players have voiced their unhappiness on websites like Reddit and the Steam community forums. Some say they will quit the game instead of making a PSN account. Concerns include privacy of personal information and not wanting their PC gaming mixed with PlayStation.
One Reddit comment showed how others feel: “This was the most fun game I’ve played in a long time. But I will not make a PS account.” While some think making a free PSN account is not a big deal, others disagree on principle and do not want to join Sony’s gaming network.
Helldivers! An important message from our partner Playstation about account linking for PC players and its significance in providing player safety features.
Read the full message here: https://t.co/L1A9jv8yBf pic.twitter.com/q3eXKbtoNB
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 3, 2024
Reviews of the game on Steam have turned very negative as players express their feelings about the upcoming rule. One review said, “I bought this on Steam to play it on Steam. I will never have a PlayStation account.”
Not all players are upset though. Some will still make PSN accounts to keep enjoying the game. But this controversy has cast doubt on the game’s future success on PC. Only time will tell if anger increases or decreases as the June 4th deadline approaches for existing players.