Arrowhead Game Studios, the maker of Helldivers 2, is responding creatively to the recent controversy that has rocked the game’s fans and resulted in a large number of negative reviews from users on the game’s Steam page.
It all stems from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s decision – now failed – to require Helldivers 2 players on Windows PCs to have a PlayStation Network account and link it to their Steam accounts. Sony has since canceled those plans, albeit after a weekend that saw Arrowhead’s developers caught in the middle of fan outcry.
The “review bomb” dropped in protest against Helldivers 2 lowered its user rating to an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating, which caught Arrowhead’s attention. Over the weekend, the studio’s CEO Johan Pilestedt poked fun at himself and the controversy by saying that a cape design based on the barrage of negative reviews could soon be coming to play.
The random cape design is pretty cool too. From a community member. pic.twitter.com/7LQZA6Rekw
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) May 6, 2024
Originally designed by a community member, the design is inspired by the three orange lines in the recent review art for Helldivers 2 on Steam. When isolated against Steam’s bluish background, these lines resemble the type of cloak the game’s characters typically wear.
When a fan asked if this would actually be implemented into the game, the CEO replied, “The team is currently talking about a good name for it.”
Pilestedt joked that the cloak could cost $999.99, but quickly clarified that it was actually part of the game and would certainly be free for all players.
Several players in the Helldivers 2 community on Reddit said they hoped the novel cloak would become a reality. “Do it Pilestedt, that would be a brilliant piece!” wrote one user, while another commented: “THIS cape shows our commitment, unity and power in our community.” This is the cape to wear.” Some have even created their own versions of it.
Photoshopped this to see what the review cape design might look like in-game
byu/ibbidibbidoo inHelldivers
Reversing reviews for Helldivers 2
The self-deprecating gesture appears to have generated goodwill for the highly acclaimed game, which launched on February 8 for both PC and PlayStation 5. Some have stated that after SIE’s turnaround, it is time to “turn the ratings back to positive.” the account linking requirement.
Steam reviewers and Reddit users urged players to flip their review scores. “I need to get the reviews back! Come on, hell diver!” wrote one Steam reviewer. One Reddit user added: “With Sony now reversing their decision, surely now is the time for everyone to show their appreciation by changing their Steam reviews back to positive?”
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