Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
WhenHelldivers 2burst onto the gaming scene at the start of the year, it seemed destined for greatness. Arrowhead’s co-op sci-fi shooter captured hearts with its blend of intense action, strategic gameplay, and a healthy dose of satirical humor. The game’s initial success had many predicting it would be a strong contender for Game of the Year.
But as The Game Awards 2024 nominations were announced,Helldivers 2was notably absent from the coveted Game of the Year category. While the game did secure nominations for Best Ongoing Game and Best Community Support, many fans are left wondering what went wrong.
The answer lies not with the game itself, but with Sony’s controversial decisions that may have cost the title its shot at gaming’s highest honor.
How Sony’s Decisions DerailedHelldivers 2‘s Momentum
The community’s reaction to the snub was swift and pointed:
The writing was on the wall months ago when Sonyblindsided both players and developer Arrowheadwith a controversial mandate. Several months after launch, PlayStation Network account linking suddenly became mandatory for Steam users, effectively locking out players in 177 countries overnight.
While Sony cited “technical issues” as the reason for not implementing this requirement at launch, many saw it as a transparent attempt to force PC players into the PlayStation ecosystem.
“The game is replicating IRL democracy”: Helldivers 2 is Making Toxic Gamers Yelling at Arrowhead Look Like Stone-Cold Dumbasses
The timing couldn’t have been worse—just asHelldivers 2was hitting its stride and building a dedicated community:
The impact on player numbers was devastating:
Even afterSonypartially backtracked following intense backlash, the damage was done. To this day, players in affected regions who didn’t purchase the game before the mandate still can’t access it. Sony’s President, Hiroki Totoki, continues to defend the PSN linking requirement in financial calls, citing vague“safety concerns” and other such self-contradictory arguments.
Arrowhead Caught in the Crossfire
To be fair,Arrowheaditself faced its share of challenges in the tumultuous post-launch period of its game. The studio’s early attempts at balance changes and community management weren’t always well-received:
However, unlike Sony’s stubborn stance, Arrowhead demonstrated remarkable dedication to addressing community feedback. Their comprehensive 60-day improvement plan showed genuine commitment to making things right, implementing player-requested features, and reversing controversial balance changes.
What makes the situation particularly frustrating is that despite Arrowhead’s efforts to improve the game, Sony’s rigid stance on PSN linking continues to cast a long shadow overHelldivers 2‘s success.
Helldivers 2: Hey Arrowhead, Where is the Review Bomb Cape?
While the developer continues towork tirelessly to enhance the player experience, hundreds of thousands of potential players remain locked out of the game due to corporate policies that seem to prioritize ecosystem control over player accessibility.
The Game Awards snub, therefore, feels less like a reflection on the game’s quality or Arrowhead’s dedication, and more like an inevitable consequence of Sony’s controversial decisions. It’s a stark reminder that even the most brilliant games can be hampered by factors entirely outside of their developers’ control.
What do you think aboutHelldivers 2‘s not receiving a GOTY nomination? Was Sony’s handling of the PSN linking controversy the final nail in the coffin, or were there other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :966
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
