Helldivers 2 players in countries that can’t open a PlayStation Network account are getting refunds after massive backlash.
Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Since its release on February 8, 2024, the game has been well-received and highly praised, but it took a turn when it was announced that players are now required to have a PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
Due to the recent change, the game faces massive backlash from players. Helldivers 2 received over 200,000 negative reviews on Steam, resulting in an “Overwhelmingly Negative” recent review score. When a player asked what to do if they’re in a country that is not PSN supported, even Arrowhead’s CEO replied, “I don’t know.”
As of May 6, 2024, Sony has removed access to Helldivers 2 in over 170 countries where players cannot create a PSN account. This affects thousands of players who bought the game in these regions. The game cannot be purchased in countries such as the Philippines, Venezuela, Vietnam, and more. This resulted in a massive backlash from the playerbase, which is now requesting refunds.
Players in countries that cannot create a PlayStation Network account would be unable to play Helldivers 2 after Sony’s recent announcement. As a result, many of these players had been requesting a refund for the game since there wouldn’t be any use for it if they couldn’t create an account.
An X user shared that they’ve never requested a refund for a game on Steam until now, continuing, “I’m actually appalled Sony decided to pull the rug from underneath the Helldivers 2 community. For them to double down on the PSN linkage after the initial outrage baffles me. A fantastic game too… Such a shame.”
The Helldivers 2 players in PSN-lacking countries can submit two refunds, as the first one appears to be automated, stating the inability to refund as it exceeded two hours of gameplay. The second refund request would be handled and reviewed manually.
Steam had been approving refund requests for players even if they exceeded the two-hour playtime limit for refunds due to the PSN limitations on Helldivers 2.
There is yet to be any news on whether there will be changes or players will be unable to create a PSN account; they will just have to accept that they cannot play the game anymore.
If you’re looking to request a refund for Helldivers 2 because you were unable to create a PSN account, you can follow this Steam refund guide.