Featured Image Credit: Valve
Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Steam
Sometimes I guess we really can make a difference if we try. This week gamers everywhere pushed back against a truly baffling decision, and that decision has now officially been walked back.
If you've not been following the drama, PlayStation recently announced it would be forcing Helldivers 2 Steam players to connect via a PlayStation Network account from 6 May.
In a statement, PlayStation claimed “technical issues” when Helldivers 2 allowed Steam players to access the game without linking accounts.
This led to what can only reasonably be described as a poo storm of unholy proportions. Helldivers 2 was flooded with negative reviews on Steam, and Valve even relaxed its refund policy to give players full refunds.
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It's worth noting that PSN is actually unavailable in many countries, meaning Helldivers 2 would literally have become unplayable for millions of gamers.
Fortunately, it seems PlayStation has realised what it was doing was actually really very silly. Over on Twitter they confirmed it would no longer be enforcing PSN logins to access Helldivers 2 via Steam. Turns out kicking off really does work sometimes.
"Helldivers fans -- we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update," PlayStation wrote. "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.
"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."
You do, of course, have to wonder if PlayStation couldn't have done this before thousands of gamers processed refunds for the game. In many ways the damage has been done. But at least for now, it seems gamers can claim a rare victory for democracy.