PlayStation Cancels Helldivers 2 Mandatory PSN Sign-In Requirement Following Player Uproar

Last week saw a new policy change for Helldivers 2 on PC, as a PSN account became a mandatory requirement to sign in to the game. This announcement didn't go over well with the Helldivers 2 playerbase, and after the game was bombarded with thousands of negative reviews, Sony announced that it had reversed course on this decision.

"Helldivers fans--we've heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. 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," Sony wrote in a statement on its official account. "We're still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and we'll keep you updated on future plans."

Sony's decision to enforce a PSN account requirement had major ramifications last week, as Helldivers 2 was quickly delisted in 177 countries where PSN is not available. Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt commented on the problem on Sunday, explaining that the studio was "talking solutions" with PlayStation behind the scenes. Originally, the PSN requirement was supposed to have been a part of the game when Helldivers 2 launched, but due to the overwhelming success the game had it was postponed to a later date.

"It was my decision to disable account linking at launch so that players could play the game," Pilestedt wrote on X/Twitter. "I did not ensure players were aware of the requirement and we didn't talk about it enough. We knew for about six months before launch that it would be mandatory for online PS titles."

With the controversy seemingly over, Helldivers 2 players can expect to play around with several new arctic-themed weapons in the Polar Patriots warbond this month. Meanwhile, Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut will launch May 16 and a PSN account will only be required for its Legends multiplayer mode and the new PlayStation overlay, developer Suckerpunch has confirmed.