In Helldivers 2 it is about saving freedom, but exactly one freedom is now being restricted by the developers.
Why do you need a PSN account now? The developers of Arrowhead Game Studios recently announced that all players must link their Steam account with a “PlayStation Network” account. The linking will become mandatory for all players, even if they are not playing crossplay with PlayStation players. Anyone who does not link their account will not be allowed to participate.
The reason for the linking is described by the developers as follows:
„The account linking plays a crucial role in protecting our players and maintaining the security values of PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games. This is our most important means of protecting players from griefing and abuse by allowing the banning of players who display this kind of behavior. Additionally, players who have been banned have the right to appeal.”
Here you can see the new war bond “Polar Patriots” in the trailer:
In just a month, it won’t be possible without it
When do you need the PSN account? The deadline to link your account with a PSN account is only one month, until June 0, 2024. New players must link their account from May 06 onward to start playing. From May 30, players will be notified in-game that they must register and from June 4, it won’t be possible without it.
You can of course create a “PlayStation Network” account without a PS5. How to do that can be found in this help article on the PlayStation website.
Why is this measure coming months after the release? Helldivers 2 had a surprisingly good start this year and initially suffered a lot from player congestion. Many Helldivers likely still remember the server problems that existed back then.
The explosive start is probably also the reason why players are only now being forced by Sony to get a PSN account.
The developers likely wanted to save Sony’s servers somewhat from the rush and temporarily suspended the linking. This transition period, during which the linking was only optional, is now about to end.
How do players feel about the obligation? The Helldivers have started a small shitstorm on Steam with over 700 comments already gathered under the developers’ announcement, the majority of which show no understanding. Many see it as an attempt by Sony to gather more data.
Some also think that the way the linking is made mandatory is silly. Various players would have preferred rewards such as credits or skins for a successful connection instead of a duty that enforces it.
So far, communication with the developers of Helldivers 2 has always been quite open, as they have implemented your idea, for example: You were right about the bugs in Helldivers 2 and now you have to live with the consequences
