Sony retreats from Helldivers 2 account linking for PSN after fan outrage

Sony tweeted from its PlayStation account that it is retreating from an unpopular decision where it was requiring Helldivers 2 fans to link their PC game to Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN).

The problem was that PSN isn’t offered in many countries, and this requirement made players worry that they would lose access to the game if they didn’t live in the right country.

“Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward,” Sony said. “We’re still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and we’ll keep you updated on future plans.”

The policy made no sense and the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, which made the game over eight years, said he had no control over the decision.

Before Sony retreated, the policy requiring players to link to their PSN account in order to play the PC version of Helldivers 2 didn’t go over well.

On Steam, players left huge numbers of negative reviews on Helldivers 2, and Sony was quiet about the reaction. It’s good that Sony is retreating from the blunder, but a lot of players probably have lost faith in its decisions and its slowness in walking the decision back.