By Sagar V. Mankar Sony has announced that Helldivers 2 has officially become its fastest-selling game of all time, surpassing 12 million copies sold within just 12 weeks of its release. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, the live-service co-op shooter exceeded Sony’s expectations, reaching this milestone by May 5, 2024.
The achievement puts Helldivers 2 ahead of God of War Ragnarok, which sold 11 million copies within 75 days of its launch on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in 2022. The game’s simultaneous release on both PlayStation 5 and PC, combined with cross-play functionality, played a significant role in its success. Players take on the role of Helldivers, soldiers battling alien robots and monstrous bugs as part of a massive Galactic War. Regular updates, including Premium Warbonds that introduce new weapons and gear, have kept players engaged.
Priced at $39.99, Helldivers 2 quickly gained traction but initially faced server issues due to overwhelming player demand. Despite these challenges, the game’s popularity soared, reaching a peak of 458,709 concurrent players on Steam. Sony has not disclosed concurrent player numbers for PlayStation 5.
The game’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. Arrowhead and Sony clashed over Sony’s attempt to mandate PC players to link their accounts to the PlayStation Network. Following backlash and a wave of negative Steam reviews, Sony eventually reversed the decision.
The immense success of Helldivers 2 could signal a shift in Sony’s strategy. It may prompt the company to launch more multiplayer-focused titles on both PC and PlayStation simultaneously. Additionally, the game’s budget-friendly price point might influence future releases. Upcoming titles like Concord, a PVP multiplayer FPS from Firewalk Studios, could follow a similar path.
Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt celebrated the milestone on social media, humorously noting, “It’s crazy to think that there are more Helldivers than there are Swedes.”
Looking ahead, Arrowhead is expected to introduce more content throughout 2024, including vehicles and a potential third enemy faction.
Sources: Sony Investor Call, Arrowhead Game Studios Announcements