HIGHLIGHTS
- Linking games to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account caused the Helldivers 2 data breach.
- The necessity that PC gamers link their PSN accounts has provoked protests and review bombing.
- Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, has apologized for the controversy over the needed update.
Thousands of accounts are at risk because players gear up for Intergalactic battles.
The attack not only raises concerns about the security of virtual worlds but also brings back memories of Sony’s previous cyber assaults.
As a result, the Helldivers 2 data breach has left both creators and players running for answers and accountability, highlighting the fragility of our online presence.
Helldivers 2 Data Breach Rises With PSN Link Update
Data breach in Helldivers 2 was mainly related to the controversial update that made PC players link their game to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
The update aroused concern on data security due to Sony’s previous breaches.
However, the response was strong due to the rumored region-locking of the game for PC players in countries lacking PSN.
PSN’s FAQs states that linking a PSN account to play PlayStation games on PC is optional; however, they changed it later. As a result, the community started protesting.
PSN is not available in 177 countries; however, it may cause users in nations without PSN to be locked out of certain games.
Due to systems security compromise, Galactic War tables displayed an inaccurate information. Nevertheless, this was fixed, and all systems started up normally again.
The requirement for PC gamers to link their PSN accounts has sparked criticism and review bombing.
Sony Data Breach Controversy After Players Are Forced To Link The Account Gives Flashback Of 2014
Regarding the Sony Data breach, there are many examples in the past, but the most notable was the Sony Pictures hack.
On November 24, 2014, the hacker group called “Guardians of Peace” released confidential data on Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The leaked data included personal information about employees and their families, e-mails, executive salaries, unreleased films, and other sensitive data.
They wanted Sony to pull the movie “The Interview” and threatened attacks at cinemas that would broadcast it.
U.S. intelligence blamed North Korea for the Sony attack, while North Korea denied any participation.
Last October, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced the breach that affected about 6,800 U.S. customers.
The breach was caused by a zero-day vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer platform, which was exploited by the Clop ransomware group.
Sony later offered credit monitoring and identity restoration services to those affected.
CEO’s Response To Data Breach Issue
Johan Pilestedt, the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, has apologized for the controversy behind the mandatory update that needs PC players to link their game to a PlayStation Network account.
He acknowledges the community’s concerns and claims that the studio has done something inside that seems to correct the mistake and educate its developers.
As regards the necessity of the PSN account, Pilestedt blamed how it played out.
While he indicated that Arrowhead is working with Sony to make something work for players locked in the different areas because of the PSN requirement.
He hopes to win back the players’ trust with continued great game experience.
The developers also said they would never add a PvP mode to the game because they want to continue having a supportive and non-toxic environment.
This means that the developers are actively listening to the community and taking action to correct what is bothering them.
