Los Angeles, California – The modern PC gaming industry has been stirred by a recent update to the popular game “Helldivers 2.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a new requirement for players of the co-op shooter game. Starting on May 30, current players must link their Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account by June 4. New players will have to link the two accounts starting on May 6.
This change has been attributed to the “safety and security provided on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games.” Account linking allows Sony to ban abusive players and provides banned players with the right to appeal. The decision was made due to technical issues, with Sony acknowledging that they had initially allowed the linking to be optional. The Helldivers community on Reddit has shown dissent, and Steam reviews of the game have shifted since the announcement.
The requirement to link accounts has sparked concern due to Sony’s history of security breaches, notably the infamous hacking of the PlayStation Network in 2011. This incident compromised millions of user accounts and led to financial penalties for Sony. The company faced fines in the UK and settled a class-action lawsuit in the US, offering free games to victims of the breach.
Helldivers 2 unexpectedly became a huge success shortly after its launch, surpassing various player count records on Steam. However, the demand for account linking with the PlayStation Network has raised questions about player trust and security.
The multiplayer nature of Helldivers 2 relies on Sony’s servers, while Steam serves as the platform for reaching players and fostering engagement. Sony’s decision to require account linking comes at a time when many companies are seeking to reduce reliance on single platforms like Steam.
The move has raised concerns about accessibility, as PSN may not be available in all countries where Steam operates. Requests for further information and comments from Sony on the PSN requirement remain unanswered, sparking curiosity about the implications of the decision.