Los Angeles, California – Steam users of Helldivers 2 have received notification that the game has been removed from sale in regions where the PlayStation Network (PSN) is inaccessible, with Sony being responsible for the decision, not Steam itself. Sony had initially announced that players on Steam would need to link their accounts to a PSN for safety measures, causing outrage among players and negative reviews on Steam. This led to the game being pulled from sale in 177 countries where PSN is not available, prompting Sony to backtrack on its decision to enforce mandatory PSN linking.
The confusion surrounding the removal of Helldivers 2 in certain regions has finally been clarified, pointing to Sony as the driving force behind the decision. Steam was not directly involved in the game’s delisting, reassuring players who were uncertain about the cause of the restriction. Additionally, the addition of three more regions to the restriction was attributed to a similar strategy implemented for the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, where Steam has taken steps to auto-refund players in countries without access to PSN.
Johan Pilestedt, the creative director of Helldivers 2 and CEO of Arrowhead, addressed the situation, explaining that the restrictions in certain countries were an “administrative error correction.” While the current restrictions may seem disheartening, Pilestedt emphasized that discussions on region restrictions are ongoing, with the ultimate goal being to ensure the game is available to all players globally. The developer remains committed to making the game accessible to a wide audience.
The series of events surrounding the removal of Helldivers 2 in specific regions signifies the challenges faced by developers and publishers in navigating the intricacies of regional restrictions and online platforms. With player feedback playing a crucial role in influencing decisions, it is evident that transparency and communication are essential in addressing concerns and maintaining a positive gaming experience. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between security measures and accessibility for all players remains a priority for developers and publishers alike.