Helldivers 2 Forcing PSN Account Linking

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Mandatory Account Linking Coming

On May 2, 2024, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that the popular PVE sci-fi third-person shooter co-op game Helldivers 2 will require all players on Steam to link their PlayStation Network Accounts in order to play the game. Without surprise, the news is facing unpopular reception in the Steam forums. Sony claims this helps with “protecting our players and upholding the values of safety and security provided on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games.” Originally, Steam players were not forced to link accounts due to technical difficulties at the game’s launch; however, that time is running out.

Account linking plays a critical role in protecting our players and upholding the values of safety and security provided on PlayStation and PlayStation Studios games. This is our main way to protect players from griefing and abuse by enabling the banning of players that engage in that type of behaviour. It also allows those players that have been banned the right to appeal.

– HELLDIVERS™ 2 Account Linking Update, Sony Interactive Entertainment

Timeline of Events

For all new players on Steam, the requirement will go into effect on May 6, 2024. For existing players, the requirement goes into effect May 30th and will have until June 4th to comply. It’s not clear if this means that after June 4th that you’ll be barred from playing the game until the accounts are linked, but I would not be surprised.

Compromises

I would prefer to see an option such as this: You can either link your PSN and Steam accounts or cross-play is disabled. Since Sony cites the biggest issue as security and safety for their player base, just lock the players that don’t link accounts to only play with other Steam players. Though Sony isn’t the only one doing this. I’ve had to link accounts over the years for Ubisoft and EA, among others, to play them on various platforms.