Sony Interactive Entertainment retracts mandatory PSN account linking policy after backlash, maintaining Helldivers 2 gameplay on Steam
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reversed its contentious policy requiring PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking for Helldivers 2 on Steam. Following intense backlash, PlayStation rescinded the policy, which would have forced new players to link their accounts starting May 6 and mandated current players to do so by May 30.
“Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback,” PlayStation stated on its official account. “The May 6 update will not move forward.”
The initial requirement sparked tens of thousands of negative reviews over the weekend, impacting other Sony games on Steam and causing Helldivers 2 to be delisted in around 177 countries. The policy upset gamers and resulted in a barrage of criticism. Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt expressed frustration over the backlash, noting, “Waking up to the sunshine of yesterday replaced with a dreary drizzle and shivering winds makes me reflect on how I spent my time.”
Over the weekend, Arrowhead and PlayStation worked together to find a solution. Pilestedt admitted he bore some responsibility for not ensuring players were adequately informed about the account linking, saying, “I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn’t talk about it enough.” He clarified that his team had known for six months that account linking would be mandatory for online PlayStation titles.
As Helldivers 2 continued to suffer review bombing, dropping its overall Steam rating to “Mixed,” Pilestedt publicly apologized on social media, expressing that he “just wants to make a good game.”
Fans quickly applauded PlayStation’s announcement, expressing optimism that future games would remain free from mandatory linking requirements. One supporter encouraged players to not direct their frustrations at Arrowhead, noting that the studio had been doing its best despite contractual obligations.
With the policy change, attention can now refocus on the game itself. Helldivers 2 has gained popularity for its unique storytelling approach in a live service format, garnering strong sales of around 8 million units by March 2024.
Analysis:
This reversal underscores the influence of player feedback on industry decisions. Sony’s swift change reflects a growing industry trend towards listening to the gaming community. While linking gaming accounts aims to streamline the user experience, Helldivers 2 players were vocal about privacy concerns and additional login hurdles.
Arrowhead CEO Pilestedt acknowledged accountability, underscoring the transparency required in these policy changes. The apology was crucial in mitigating further fallout, reinforcing the importance of communication between developers and players.
Moreover, this episode reveals a delicate balance between innovation and player convenience. Live service games thrive on seamless updates and engagement, but mandatory linking can easily disrupt gameplay. By pivoting quickly, Sony maintained goodwill, a lesson that may shape future policies.
