Helldivers 2 Adds Item Honoring Review-Bombing Campaign

▼ Summary
– Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead released a free in-game cape commemorating the game’s review-bombing incident, featuring a graph of positive vs. negative reviews.
– The cape’s design shows red bars (negative reviews) vastly outnumbering light blue bars (positive reviews) during the controversy.
– The review-bombing occurred after Sony tried requiring PC players to link PlayStation Network accounts, sparking backlash until the decision was reversed.
– Despite the temporary drop in reviews, players later rallied to boost ratings, and the game’s Steam reviews have since recovered.
– Helldivers 2 has regained momentum with recent updates, peaking at nearly 200,000 concurrent players after a low point in April.
Helldivers 2 players are receiving a unique in-game item that commemorates one of the game’s most controversial moments, a review-bombing campaign that temporarily tarnished its reputation. The free cape, now available to all players, features a visual representation of the surge in negative reviews during the backlash, turning a rough patch into a lighthearted nod to community resilience.
The cape’s design cleverly incorporates a graph showing the stark contrast between positive and negative reviews during the incident. Light blue bars symbolizing positive feedback are dwarfed by bold red bars representing the flood of negative ratings, creating a wearable piece of gaming history. Though announced over a year ago, the item has finally been distributed, serving as a reminder of how quickly player sentiment can shift, and recover.
The controversy stemmed from Sony’s short-lived attempt to require PC players to link PlayStation Network accounts shortly after the game’s 2024 launch. The move sparked immediate backlash, with the PC gaming community rallying against mandatory account systems. The uproar led to a coordinated review-bombing campaign, tanking Helldivers 2’s ratings before Sony and developer Arrowhead reversed the decision. Players later organized a counter-campaign to restore the game’s reputation, which has since rebounded strongly on platforms like Steam.
Despite the turbulence, Helldivers 2 has regained momentum, thanks to well-received updates like the Heart of Democracy expansion. Recent player counts have surged, nearing 200,000 concurrent users, proving the game’s enduring appeal. The commemorative cape isn’t just a quirky cosmetic, it’s a testament to the community’s passion and the developers’ ability to weather storms with humor and transparency.
For fans, the item is more than a fashion statement; it’s a badge of honor celebrating their role in shaping the game’s trajectory. Whether worn ironically or with pride, the cape ensures that this chapter of Helldivers 2’s history won’t be forgotten.
(Source: GAMESPOT)