Helldivers 2 Plummets to 'Mostly Negative' on Steam Amid PSN Sign-In Backlash

Helldivers 2, the sequel to the acclaimed tactical shooter, has recently found itself embroiled in controversy on Steam, resulting in a significant downturn in its user review ratings. The game, which initially garnered praise for its gameplay and mechanics, has faced backlash over a controversial decision regarding PlayStation Network (PSN) sign-ins.

Initially, Helldivers 2 enjoyed a positive reception from players and critics alike, quickly becoming a standout title for PlayStation on both PC and PS5 platforms. However, the recent controversy surrounding mandatory PSN sign-ins for Steam users has caused a sharp decline in the game's reputation.

The controversy began when PlayStation announced that players on Steam would be required to sign into a PSN account to play Helldivers 2, a requirement that was not initially communicated at launch. This decision, purportedly made to enhance player security and address griefing concerns, contradicted Sony's previous stance that sign-ins for its games would be optional.

The backlash from the community was swift and severe, with many players expressing frustration over the forced sign-in requirement. Some players even went as far as to demand refunds for the game, citing the sudden change in policy as a breach of trust.

The impact of this controversy on Helldivers 2's Steam page has been dramatic. Prior to the controversy, the game enjoyed a "Mostly Positive" review rating on Steam. However, in the wake of the PSN sign-in requirement, the game's review rating plummeted to "Mixed", and has now further dropped to "Mostly Negative" following an influx of 68,000 recent reviews.

Despite the overall score still standing as "Mixed", the negative reviews continue to pour in, indicating a growing dissatisfaction among players. The situation has prompted the game's director to issue an apology on Twitter, acknowledging the backlash and expressing regret over the handling of the matter.

As of now, the future of Helldivers 2 remains uncertain, with players awaiting further updates and clarification from PlayStation regarding the controversial sign-in requirement. Until then, it seems likely that the game's reputation will continue to suffer as players voice their discontent.