NEWS  Games  February 12, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Helldivers 2, the sci-fi third-person shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios, has stormed onto the PC gaming scene as the latest major release, marking a significant milestone for both the developer and its publisher, Sony. Released simultaneously on Steam and PlayStation 5, the game has quickly garnered attention, smashing records and redefining expectations.

Within just one day of its release on February 8, Helldivers 2 became the most popular title ever published by Sony's PlayStation Studios on Valve's Steam platform, boasting an impressive concurrent player count of 81,840. This momentum only accelerated over the weekend, with peak concurrent players nearly doubling to 155,926, according to SteamDB.

This meteoric rise is particularly striking when compared to its predecessor, the original Helldivers, which debuted in 2015 as a top-down shooter. Despite its initial acclaim, the first game pales in comparison, with a peak concurrent player count of only 6,744. Notably, it was also Sony's inaugural PC release, marking a tentative step into the realm of PC gaming.

As of the time of writing, Helldivers 2 maintains its dominance as the top-selling game on Steam, solidifying its status as a frontrunner in the competitive gaming landscape.

However, this triumphant launch has not been without its challenges. Reports of game crashes and matchmaking issues plagued the initial release, prompting Arrowhead Game Studios to swiftly respond with patches to address these concerns.  

Looking ahead, Arrowhead has teased a wealth of post-launch free content for Helldivers 2, promising an ongoing stream of updates to enrich the player experience. While specifics remain undisclosed, the commitment to supporting the game post-launch underscores Arrowhead's dedication to cultivating a vibrant and engaged community.

Sony's unexpected success with Helldivers 2 on PC marks a significant shift in publisher strategy, signaling a newfound willingness to embrace the expansive PC gaming market. With the line between console and PC gaming blurring, Sony's foray into the realm of PC releases heralds a new era of cross-platform gaming experiences.

Purchase Helldivers 2 for PS5 on Amazon US or Amazon EU*

 IMAGES CREDITS: ARROWHEAD GAME STUDIOS / SONY