Arrowhead Game Studios has surprised its community with the release of a free Helldivers 2 DLC for both PS5 and PC players, a gesture that deviates from the norm in the gaming industry. This new content, dubbed the ‘Pillars of Freedom’ commemorative cape, serves as a nod to the significant backlash surrounding the game’s initial launch.
Helldivers 2 free DLC rewards players for backlash over PSN fiasco
Shortly after the debut of Helldivers 2, a controversial decision by Sony mandated that PC players create a PSN account to access the game. This requirement sparked immediate discontent, particularly among players in regions lacking official PSN support. Many found themselves unable to link a PSN account to their Steam profiles, effectively barring them from purchasing the game altogether.
In response to the uproar, Sony swiftly removed the contentious requirement for Helldivers 2. However, this decision came with a broader impact, as the company subsequently withdrew its first-party titles from numerous countries where PSN services were unavailable, affecting several key markets in the PC gaming landscape. As of now, Sony has lifted the PSN account requirement for its PC games and is gradually dismantling the region locks that have hindered access for countless players.
Amidst these developments, Arrowhead Game Studios chose to honor the dedication of its player base by distributing the free commemorative cape. This gesture acknowledges the community’s “unquestioning commitment to the defense of Managed Democracy,” reinforcing the bond between the developers and their players.
The cape is being automatically delivered to all players, and it should soon appear in their inboxes, if it hasn’t already. This thoughtful addition not only enhances the gaming experience but also serves as a reminder of the power of player feedback in shaping the future of gaming.
