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The relationship between Sony and PC gamers has always been complicated, but their attempt to mandate PSN account linking forHelldivers 2several months after its PC launch remains a sore point in that rocky relationship. What started as a celebration of PlayStation’s growing commitment to PC gaming quickly turned into a PR nightmare that’s still having ripple effects today.
Now, months after the controversial decision that led to massive review bombing and community backlash, Sony’s leadership has finally addressed that controversial decision. But their response might just leave you wondering if they’ve learned anything at all from this debacle.
Sony’s Baffling Defense of theHelldivers 2PSN Requirement
In a recent financial call (viaGamesRadar), company president, COO, and CFO Hiroki Totoki attempted to explain the company’s stance on PSN account requirements for PC games. His words, however, seem to suggest thatSonyis more interested in doubling down than making meaningful changes:
We have learned a lot. The way to face the issues regarding PC, for instance. The PlayStation accounts that we have offered – well actually, by offering them, for instance, sometimes that tends to invite pushback.
Well, “pushback” is certainly one way to describe the massive wave ofnegative reviews and community outrage that followedthe PSN requirement announcement. But it gets better.
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According to Totoki, this requirement is apparently all about safety:
But for the live service games, in order to maintain order of the gaming so that anybody can enjoy the games safely, we need to create an environment conducive to that and, of course, enjoy the game freely.
Freely? That’s an interesting choice of words, considering the PSN requirement has effectively locked out players from 177 countries where PlayStation Network isn’t available. Nothing says “enjoying games freely” quite like being unable to play them at all!
The Single-Player Paradox
But here’s where Sony’s argument really falls apart. If we accept (for argument’s sake) that live service games likeHelldivers 2need PSN integration for “safety,” what’s the justification for requiring the same for single-player titles? Recent PC ports likeGod of War: RagnarökandHorizon Zero Dawn Remasteredstill demand PSN account linking, despite having zero meaningful online components.
It’s a bizarre situation that perfectly goes to show the disconnect between Sony’s words and actions. On the one hand, they’re expanding their PC presence and claiming to have “learned a lot” from past controversies. On the other, they’re maintaining arbitrary restrictions that serve no apparent purpose beyond frustrating potential customers.
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The irony isn’t lost on us: while major publishers lecture gamers about the evils of piracy, they simultaneously create barriers that prevent paying customers from accessing their games legally. It’s almost as if Sony is speedrunning “How to Alienate Your Own Audience 101.”
Now, while the review bombing campaign succeeded in forcing Sony to backtrack for those who had purchasedHelldivers 2before the PSN mandate, countless others are still unable to buy the game due to PSN’s regional restrictions. And based on Totoki’s latest statements, don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
What do you think about Sony’s stance on PSN requirements for PC games? Is there any merit to their “safety” argument, or is this just corporate doublespeak? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :966
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
