In a remarkable display of galactic conquest, Arrowhead’s co-op shooter “Helldivers 2” has achieved a feat that few could have predicted – becoming PlayStation’s fastest-selling game of all time. Sony has announced that the bug-busting title sold over 12 million copies in its first 12 weeks on sale, surpassing the record previously held by the critically acclaimed “God of War Ragnarök.”
During an investor call, Sony revealed that “Helldivers 2” exceeded expectations, hitting the impressive sales milestone on May 5, 2024. The game’s breakneck success outpaced “God of War Ragnarök,” which sold 11 million copies 75 days after its November 2022 launch across PlayStation 4 and PS5.
Launched simultaneously on PC and PS5 with cross-play fueling its co-op PVE action, “Helldivers 2” cast players as Galactic War fighters battling against alien robots and bugs across various planets. Arrowhead’s live-service approach, combined with the regular release of Premium Warbonds introducing new weapons and gear, kept players engaged and the game’s popularity soaring.
Priced at a budget-friendly $39.99, “Helldivers 2” experienced an explosion in popularity that initially caused significant server problems. However, as Arrowhead worked to resolve these launch issues, player numbers continued to grow, with the game becoming one of the most-played titles on Steam, peaking at an impressive 458,709 concurrent players.
https://twitter.com/Pilestedt/status/1790300010401104124
The game’s success was not without controversy, as Arrowhead butted heads with Sony over the decision to force PC players to link their accounts to PlayStation Network to continue playing. Sony eventually backed down, but not before a Steam review bombing campaign that could potentially inspire an in-game cape.
“Helldivers 2’s” breakout success will undoubtedly encourage Sony to release more of its multiplayer-focused video games on PC and PS5 simultaneously. Currently, the company continues to prioritize single-player games on PS5 before eventually bringing them to PC. Additionally, the game’s success at a budget price point may prompt Sony to consider similar pricing strategies for future releases, such as the upcoming “Concord” from Firewalk Studios.
Arrowhead’s CEO, Johan Pilestedt, reacted to the news with a humorous tweet, saying: “it’s crazy to think that there are more Helldivers than there are Swedes.” The studio is expected to continue adding content to “Helldivers 2” throughout 2024, with vehicles and a third enemy faction reportedly in the works.
As “Helldivers 2” continues to conquer sales charts and defy expectations, it serves as a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and delivering a compelling gaming experience. Sony’s newest sales juggernaut has proven that even in an era of blockbuster franchises, there is still room for surprise hits to capture the hearts and wallets of gamers worldwide.
