Steam Refunding Players with Hundreds of In-game Hours in Helldivers 2
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Background
Players of the popular game Helldivers 2 on Steam have been left frustrated and disappointed after the game’s publisher, Sony, and developer Arrowhead announced a requirement to link the game to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account in order to continue playing. This decision has prompted Steam to offer refunds to players who have invested tremendous amounts of time in the game.
Steam Refund Policies Support User Complaints
Despite playing Helldivers 2 for over 90 hours, one gamer was able to obtain a Steam refund simply by stating, “Sony has retroactively changed how the game works and forced legal agreements upon me I do not accept.” This incident shows that Steam is willing to accept refund requests based on the dissatisfaction caused by this new linking requirement.
PlayStation Network Linking Requirement Causes Havoc
Helldivers 2, previously available for purchase across 177 countries and territories on Steam, has been removed from sale due to the mandatory PSN linking requirement imposed by Sony. Even in countries without PSN access, the game has been withdrawn. Initially, this linking requirement was optional, but it has now been enforced, igniting a wave of backlash among Helldivers 2 players on Steam.
Steam Community Reacts
The backlash has manifested in the form of over 200,000 negative reviews from Helldivers 2 players on Steam. Steam’s review system, previously celebrated for its positive user feedback, is now witnessing a notable decline in players’ satisfaction due to Sony’s decision to require a PSN account for playing the game.
Developer Acknowledges Mistake
Joan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead and creative director of Helldivers 2, has taken the responsibility for the controversy. Pilestedt admitted that disabling account linking at launch without ensuring adequate awareness has contributed to the confusion and frustration. He has emphasized that the team is now engaged in discussions with PlayStation to find solutions, primarily for players in non-PSN countries.
Continued Efforts to Address Community Concerns
Pilestedt has provided reassurance to the affected community, stating that he is doing his utmost to represent their voices. However, he has emphasized that the final decision does not rest solely with him. While the developer acknowledges the mistake, it remains to be seen whether appropriate solutions to this contentious issue will be achieved in collaboration with PlayStation.
