Will Helldivers 2 Be Relisted On Steam?

Will Helldivers 2 Be Relisted On Steam?

As a Helldivers enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly following the rumors and speculation surrounding the potential relisting of Helldivers 2 on Steam. While there’s no official confirmation from the developers, Arrowhead Game Studios, I’ve delved into the evidence and insights to provide an in-depth analysis of the likelihood of the game’s return to the popular platform.

Legal Issues and Publishing Rights

The original Helldivers was published on Steam by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). However, the publishing rights for Helldivers 2 were acquired by THQ Nordic in 2022. This change in ownership could potentially create legal hurdles if Arrowhead Game Studios wanted to relist the game on Steam, as SIE might retain certain distribution rights or exclusivity clauses.

Market Demand and Fan Interest

Helldivers 2 has a loyal fanbase who have been clamoring for its return to Steam ever since it was delisted. The game’s unique brand of cooperative chaos has garnered a dedicated following who have been vocal about their desire to see it available on their preferred gaming platform. This strong demand could sway the decision of THQ Nordic and Arrowhead Game Studios to consider relisting the game.

Technical Compatibility and Updates

While Helldivers 2 was initially released as a PlayStation-exclusive title, the game was later ported to Xbox and Nintendo Switch. This suggests that the game’s engine and codebase are versatile enough to support Steam integration. Additionally, Arrowhead Game Studios has a history of providing regular updates and support for their games, so it’s likely that they would address any technical issues that may arise during the relisting process.

Steam’s Openness and Community Features

Steam has long been the home of modding, community hubs, and other features that foster player engagement and extend game longevity. The Helldivers community has created a wealth of custom maps, mods, and online events that have kept the game fresh and exciting. By relisting Helldivers 2 on Steam, Arrowhead Game Studios could tap into this vibrant ecosystem and enhance the game’s replayability for veterans and new players alike.

Financial Considerations and Profitability

Relisting Helldivers 2 on Steam would open up the game to a vast new audience of potential customers. While the game has performed well on consoles, making it available on PC would increase its visibility and potentially boost sales. Arrowhead Game Studios and THQ Nordic would likely factor in the potential profitability of the relisting when making their decision.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence and insights presented above, I believe there is a strong possibility that Helldivers 2 will be relisted on Steam. The game’s enduring popularity, technical compatibility, and the favorable platform features of Steam all point to a potential re-release. Of course, the ultimate decision rests with Arrowhead Game Studios and THQ Nordic, but fans of the game should remain hopeful that they will have the opportunity to experience the chaos and camaraderie of Helldivers 2 on their beloved platform once again.

Will Helldivers 2 Be Relisted On Steam?

Since its delisting from Steam in 2021, fans of the cooperative shooter Helldivers have eagerly awaited its return. While the game remains available on PlayStation and Xbox platforms, the Steam community has been left wondering whether they will ever be able to experience the game again on their preferred platform. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the factors that could influence the potential relisting of Helldivers 2 on Steam:

Publisher’s Decision:

The decision to relist Helldivers 2 on Steam ultimately lies with the game’s publisher, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). SIE has a history of making its PlayStation exclusives available on PC, such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Days Gone, and God of War. However, the company has also been selective in its choices, and not all PlayStation games have made the jump to PC.

SIE’s decision will likely depend on several factors, including the potential revenue it could generate from the Steam release, the impact it would have on the PlayStation brand, and the resources required to port the game to PC.

Licensing Agreements:

Helldivers 2 is developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, which is owned by SIE. This means that SIE owns the intellectual property (IP) rights to the game. However, Steam has specific licensing agreements that game publishers must comply with. These agreements may include restrictions on exclusivity, revenue sharing, and content distribution.

SIE would need to ensure that any agreement with Steam aligns with its business objectives. If the terms are not favorable, it may choose to keep Helldivers 2 exclusive to PlayStation platforms.

Community Demand:

The demand from the Steam community for Helldivers 2 is evident in numerous online forums and social media discussions. Fans have expressed their desire to see the game return to the platform, citing its unique gameplay, cooperative multiplayer experience, and addictive nature.

SIE is well aware of the community’s requests. While demand alone does not guarantee a relisting, it could influence the company’s decision-making process.

Technical Considerations:

Porting Helldivers 2 from PlayStation to PC requires technical expertise and resources. Arrowhead Game Studios would need to ensure that the game runs smoothly and is optimized for PC hardware. This process can be time-consuming and can impact the potential release date of the PC version.

Competitive Landscape:

The PC gaming market is highly competitive, and Helldivers 2 would be facing strong competition from other cooperative shooters, such as Deep Rock Galactic, Vermintide 2, and Left 4 Dead 2. SIE would need to carefully consider the game’s market potential and whether it can stand out in a crowded field.

Based on these factors, here’s my assessment of the likelihood of Helldivers 2 being relisted on Steam:

• Probability of Relisting: Medium-to-High

• Timeline: 2023-2024

• Reasons for Optimism:

  • Sony Interactive Entertainment has shown a willingness to bring PlayStation exclusives to PC in the past.
  • The Steam community has a strong demand for Helldivers 2.
  • Arrowhead Game Studios has the technical expertise to port the game to PC.

• Reasons for Caution:

  • SIE may choose to keep Helldivers 2 exclusive to PlayStation platforms.
  • The licensing agreements with Steam may not be favorable.
  • The competitive landscape for cooperative shooters on PC is intense.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to relist Helldivers 2 on Steam is a complex one that involves numerous factors. While there is a good chance that the game will eventually make its way back to the platform, fans may need to be patient.

Will Helldivers 2 Be Relisted On Steam?

As an avid Helldivers fan, I’m thrilled by the prospect of a potential sequel. However, recent events surrounding the delisting of the original game from Steam have raised concerns. Will Helldivers 2 face a similar fate?

Factors Limiting Relistiing Of Helldivers 2

The delisting of Helldivers from Steam was attributed to issues with its publisher, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). PlayStation Studios, a subsidiary of SIE, acquired Arrowhead Studios, the developer of Helldivers, in 2015. This acquisition created a potential conflict of interest when it came to distributing the game on Steam, a platform competing with SIE’s own PlayStation Network.

SIE’s decision to delist Helldivers was likely motivated by its desire to prioritize its own platform and promote exclusivity for its games. By removing Helldivers from Steam, PlayStation Studios could ensure that Helldivers and future installments would be exclusive to the PlayStation ecosystem.

Chances Of Relistiing Helldivers 2

Given the circumstances surrounding the delisting of Helldivers, it’s unlikely that Helldivers 2 will be relisted on Steam. SIE’s acquisition of Arrowhead Studios has created a strong incentive for the company to maintain exclusivity over the Helldivers franchise.

Additionally, the success of Helldivers on PlayStation platforms has further solidified SIE’s commitment to keeping the series within its ecosystem. The game has sold over 2 million copies on PlayStation consoles, making it a valuable asset for PlayStation Studios.

Alternative Platforms

If Helldivers 2 does not appear on Steam, it’s likely that it will be released exclusively on PlayStation consoles. SIE could also explore other digital distribution platforms, such as the Epic Games Store or GOG.com, to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

Based on the acquisition of Arrowhead Studios by SIE and the subsequent delisting of Helldivers from Steam, it’s highly unlikely that Helldivers 2 will be relisted on Steam. The game will likely remain exclusive to PlayStation platforms, with the possibility of being released on other digital distribution services. As a Helldivers fan, I’m disappointed by this prospect, but I remain hopeful that Helldivers 2 will provide an equally captivating and cooperative experience on PlayStation consoles.