Re: Helldivers 2 to require Playstation subscription even bought on Steam for PC.

On Mon, 6 May 2024 09:18:16 -0700, Justisaur <justisaur@yahoo.com>
wrote:
 

On 5/5/2024 8:20 AM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:

On Sat, 4 May 2024 09:19:16 -0700, Justisaur <justisaur@yahoo.com>
wrote:
>

On 5/3/2024 11:43 AM, Justisaur wrote:

Helldivers 2 was looking like a pretty good squad Co-op game, I was
somewhat interested, but so many things to play, not enough time.  It
won't affect me if I were to play it, but there's regions where it was
sold that the PSN isn't available.

>
***** UPDATE! SONY GASLIGHTS CUSTOMERS! *****
>
Sony and Arrowhead (the dev) were saying that the fact it wasn't
required was due to a 'server issue' and it was communicated that it was
a temporary thing.  However screenshots of the requirements from other
countries where PSN isn't available show it says that PSN is "optional."
   Presumably they haven't updated all their requirements for all the
foreign pages yet.
>
They've been caught in a bold faced lie and gaslighting.  The review
bombing has greatly increased after this was found and now Helldivers 2
has been dragged down to 'mixed' for all time reviews.  I'm not sure if
this will have any real legal repercussions due to the usual "subject to
change at any time" clauses present everywhere, and Japan's corrupt
legal system's favoritism.

>
Update to the Update!!!!
>
Helldivers 2 has been delisted from Steam in 177 territories*, and -
according to reports - Steam is offering refunds on the game far past
it's usual 2-hour limit.
>
* read here:
https://www.pcgamesn.com/helldivers-2/steam-delisting
>
I'd love to believe this is Valve taking the side of the end-user, but
more likely it is more a response against Sony trying to push gamers
towards its competing PSN network. Sony wants to onboard people on
PSN, because once they have an account there, they are far, far, FAR
more likely to make future purchases on that network. Valve,
obviously, doesn't want this. They don't want people to even be aware
of the competition. They want all purchases to be through Steam.
>
This isn't Valve being on the side of gamers. It's a warning shot to
Sony.
>

>
Update the Third!!!!
>
Sony has removed the requirement for those playing on playstation that
are outside of PSN countries (which no one seemed to realize what even a
thing.)  They're working on what to do with PC/Steam whatever that means.

  Update to the Update to the Update to the Update
(wait... is that one too many updates, or one too few?)
 Anyway, Sony has backed down on the PSN requirement for all Steam
users, regardless of region.
  From their Twitter account*:
      "Helldivers fans -- we've heard your feedback on the
     Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update,
     which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network
     account linking for new players and for cirrent 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."
 Apparently, the review bombing on Steam and elsewhere was intense;
like, WW2 Dresden intense! Supposedly 250,000 negative reviews dropped
on the game in three days. Gamers were /not/ happy.
 Although I doubt that had much to do with Sony's change of direction.
More likely, it was Valve's displeasure that had a lot more of an
effect.
 I suspect, though, that the next big releases will all have PSN
requirements from the start, and Valve will be fine with that. Sadly,
most gamers will probably roll over and accept it too. It was
retroactively changing the deal that cost Sony.