A Unique In-Game Tribute to Player Backlash

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has taken an unconventional approach to addressing past criticism by releasing a free in-game cape that commemorates the game’s infamous review-bombing incident. Rather than shying away from the controversy, the studio has embraced it with a touch of humor, turning a low point in the game’s history into a lighthearted collectible for players.

The Cape’s Design: A Visual Snapshot of the Backlash

The cosmetic item, now available to all players, features a striking design—a frequency graph plotting the game’s review scores during the height of the backlash. Upon closer inspection, the cape displays small blue bars (representing positive reviews) overshadowed by towering red bars (symbolizing the flood of negative ratings). This clever visual reference immortalizes the moment when Helldivers 2’s Steam reviews took a dramatic nosedive, offering players a wearable piece of gaming history.

Why Was Helldivers 2 Review-Bombed?

The controversy erupted in early 2024 when Sony, the game’s publisher, announced that PC players would be required to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to continue playing. Given PC gamers’ general resistance to mandatory account systems, the decision sparked immediate backlash. Players expressed frustration over privacy concerns, regional restrictions, and the inconvenience of an additional login step. Within days, Helldivers 2’s Steam review score plummeted as thousands of negative ratings poured in.

Sony and Arrowhead’s Swift Reversal

Facing overwhelming criticism, both Sony and Arrowhead quickly backtracked, scrapping the PSN account requirement. The reversal was a rare win for player feedback, demonstrating the power of community pushback. In the aftermath, fans even organized a counter-campaign to "review-bomb" the game positively, helping restore its reputation over time.

Helldivers 2’s Remarkable Comeback

Despite the temporary setback, Helldivers 2 has made a strong recovery. Recent major updates, such as the Heart of Democracy expansion, have reinvigorated the player base, with concurrent player numbers nearing 200,000 last month. The game’s continued success proves that a well-supported live-service title can bounce back from controversy—especially when developers listen to their community.

Turning Drama into a Collector’s Item

By releasing this cheeky cape, Arrowhead isn’t just acknowledging its past struggles—it’s celebrating how far the game has come. The item serves as both a memento of a turbulent chapter and a testament to the resilience of Helldivers 2’s dedicated fanbase. For players, it’s a fun way to wear a piece of gaming drama, proving that even the roughest storms can make for a good story in the end.

Would you equip the "Review Bomb Cape" as a badge of honor, or does it remind you of a moment you’d rather forget? Either way, it’s a bold move from Arrowhead—one that shows they’re not afraid to laugh at themselves.

Visit MMOWOW to get cheapest Helldivers Items on the web. We offer quick delivery, safe payments, and 24x7 chat support.