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Sony’s proposed PlayStation Network account-linking requirement triggered the May 2024 Helldivers 2 Steam backlash. The requirement had been waived at launch because of server strain, and Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt acknowledged the studio had not made clear enough that Sony intended to bring it back. After players protested and Steam reviews plunged, Pilestedt apologized. PlayStation then withdrew the planned update, so Steam players were not ultimately required to link PSN accounts under that plan.
Why did Helldivers 2 get review-bombed on Steam?
In early May 2024, Sony announced that Steam players would have to link a PlayStation Network account to continue playing Helldivers 2. Account linking had been listed as a requirement on the game’s Steam page, but it had been waived at launch amid server strain. The intended return of the requirement was not communicated clearly enough to players, Pilestedt later said.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![PlayStation Helldivers 2 [ 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ioRcoq-PL._SL160_.jpg)
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PlayStation Helldivers 2 [ 5] | $44.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Horror Tales: The Wine (PS5) | $28.37 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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HITMAN World of Assassination (PS5) | $33.40 | Buy on Amazon |
The regional mismatch intensified the backlash. At the time, PSN was supported in 69 countries, according to Windows Central’s 2024 reporting, while Ars Technica reported that Helldivers 2 had been removed from Steam sale in 177 countries during the controversy. Those figures describe the situation then, not current PSN coverage or a present-day map of where the game can be bought.
Players responded with negative Steam reviews. PC Gamer reported more than 20,000 negative reviews on May 3, 2024, and described the recent review rating as “Mixed.” That is a dated one-day snapshot, not the game’s current rating or its total review count.
#1 Best Overall
- Join the Helldivers and fight with friends for freedom:
- Immerse yourself in the battle for freedom - We need brave citizens traveling through the galaxy to free unpredictable, hostile worlds and spread our message of peace, freedom and guided democracy - in fast, fast-paced and wild missions.
- Become a legend - As part of the elite troops of Over-Earth, you have the entire power of the military at your disposal. Rise in the ranks as you complete vital missions, turn the tide in battle and protect the front.
- The Galactic War - As the Galactic War rages on multiple fronts, campaigns are fought, won and lost. Our enemies abandoned by the flag fight us at every turn, but we will not rest until every being has its freedom!
- Pre-order now for three armour sets: "TR-7 Brand Ambassador" - SUMY Corp advertising armor. As part of a hugely successful marketing campaign for Frozen Yogurt, "TR-62 Knights" - Designed to provide justice even in the darkest corners of the galaxy. & "Cavaliers of Democracy TR-9" - Carriers of this armour do not ride a horse, but are carried into battle on the faithful horse of freedom.
What did Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt apologize for?
On May 3, 2024, Pilestedt wrote, “Well, I guess it’s warranted. Sorry everyone for how this all transpired.” He also acknowledged that the communication had fallen short: “While the Steam page has always shown the requirements on the game page, I wish we had been more clear with the long term intent to not disappoint any of the divers out there.” Windows Central and PC Gamer reported his comments at the time.
Pilestedt later accepted responsibility for the launch decision as well as the communication gap. As quoted by Ars Technica, he said: “I do have a part to play. I am not blameless in all of this—it was my decision to disable account linking at launch so that players could play the game. I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn’t talk about it enough,”
Rank #2
- Mediterranean Horror: Explore the forsaken capital of an awe-inspiring archipelago. Do not let yourself be fooled by the gentle sea breeze, the Mediterranean vistas or the comforting summer sun. Since the Devil's Fevers pandemic ravaged the city, it was abandoned, and now only horrific nightmares await there.
- Survive your Nemesis: Someone is relentlessly hunting you. Suffer and agonize while you try to run away from the encounters with this strange stalker obsessed with you.
- Intense Challenges: Solve environmental riddles, physics puzzles and other similar challenges in an interconnected vertical world. Even while being chased and hunted.
- Accessibility and Photomode: Tweak more than 20 Accessibility settings to create a tailored experience for you. Use the Photomode to make perfect shots and unlock many secrets using it.
Did Sony reverse the Helldivers 2 PSN requirement?
Yes. On May 5, 2024, PlayStation said the planned update would not go ahead. Its announcement said: “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.” The proposed enforcement was withdrawn; the announcement did not ultimately make PSN linking mandatory for Steam players.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where did Helldivers 2’s regional availability stand after the backlash?
Many restrictions were reportedly lifted in 2025
Windows Central reported in June 2025 that restrictions on Helldivers 2 and several other Sony PC games had been lifted in many previously blocked territories. The report said seven countries remained restricted at that time. That is a dated account of the change, not confirmation of present availability in every country.
Rank #3
- Quantity:1
- Package Quantity: 1
- Branded Merchandise
The UK Steam listing was reported missing in September 2026
MeriStation reported on September 21, 2026, that Helldivers 2 had disappeared from Steam purchase listings in the UK the previous week, although people who already owned the game could still play. The outlet quoted a Sony Interactive Entertainment representative in Spanish: “Sabemos que se ha producido un error que afecta a la disponibilidad de determinados títulos en Steam en Reino Unido”. MeriStation translated this as an error affecting certain Steam titles’ availability in the UK; that English wording is the article’s translation, not an official English quote.
Sony said it was working with Valve to resolve the listing error. The September report does not say when the listing returned, or establish whether UK players could buy the game on October 8, 2026. Its status on that date therefore cannot be confirmed from that report alone.
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