Fans accuse Sony of overpriced crossover in Helldivers 2. However, devs admitted that they are behind it
Taking offense at a publisher doesn't always yield fruitful results. The design in Helldivers 2, which players criticized, was created by Arrowhead Game Studios itself.
The update announced last week brought Helldivers 2 back into favor, introducing the long-awaited Illuminate into the game. Although the threat was initially averted, the enemies quickly launched another, even stronger attack. For Arrowhead, this is the perfect opportunity to announce a collaboration with Killzone, another shooter series from Sony Interactive.
The reaction of the helldivers wasn't positive though. Equipment based on a "dying franchise" exceeds its standard Warbond price, which is why many fans believe that the studio was forced into this collaboration. As it turns out, the facts are different.
Unfortunate news for defenders of democracy
If you thought that the high prices of items from Killzone are a Sony invention, the developers of Helldivers 2 dispel any doubts. All decisions regarding cooperation are up to Arrowhead, including - as you might guess - financial matters. This information was confirmed by Shams Jorjani via Discord.
Of course, it's a partnership - but we are in the driving seat behind the decisions. This one is on us.
- Shams Jorjani
The community didn't reach for pitchforks and accepted the news calmly, yet a hint of disappointment still hangs in the air. Some commenters note that Sony has given Arrowhead free rein from the start, and blaming the publisher only worked temporarily. At the same time, players hope that the devs will learn from the negative reactions - even if the further part of the Killzone pass has no chance for discounts.
Sony is more hands-off than this sub thinks. They usually let their studios do what they want as long as the game/studios are successful
- 4000kd.
"We are looking at all feedback"
Some directed their remarks directly to the developers, including Johan Pilestedt, who tried to respond to all allegations. According to the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, the collaboration was originally intended to be a single season pass, but it was later changed to individual items due to the price.
Sorry you felt the price was steep, we are looking at all feedback. The reason we changed it from a Warbond was actually because there were concerns that having a higher priced Warbond would carry negative sentiment
It appears that players don't completely agree with this scenario, suggesting that a pass marketed as a collaboration would receive more understanding, even if it led to a higher price. At the moment, players have to spend about 20 dollars on content that will be further expanded with new items.
A higher priced Warbond would have caused backlash but I don't think it would be as bad as it is currently. 2000 for the warbond with the reasoning that it is a collaboration would have gone over a lot better. People would have likely forgotten about it a few days later
What do you think about the new items in Helldivers 2? Do you think that Arrowhead's decision actually met with justified criticism?
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