The Condition Arrowhead Set for Helldivers 2 Xbox Release Makes No Sense

Helldivers 2 has been a massive hit since its launch in February 2024. And Since the release of one of the year’s biggest hits on PC and PlayStation 5, fans have eagerly speculated about the possibility of an Xbox version. But if we know one thing about Sony, the game probably won’t ever cross over.

Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind the game, has clarified that the decision does not lie with them but rather with Sony and Xbox. Despite Arrowhead’s desire to see its game reach a wider audience, the convoluted nature of corporate decision-making makes it a complicated situation.

Helldivers 2 Isn’t Making The Console Cross Anytime Soon

Arrowhead’s community manager, Thomas “Twinbeard” Petersson, addressed the possibility of an Xbox release in the Helldivers 2 official Discord server. He explained that while Arrowhead would love to see Helldivers 2 on Xbox, the decision lies with Sony and Microsoft.

It’s not up to us but to Sony and Phil to duke out, but hypothetically speaking, if both partners think it would benefit them from a financial/brand standpoint, it could. If Sony believes it won’t though, it won’t.

If both companies believe that releasing the game on Xbox makes financial and brand sense, it could happen. However, if Sony feels it won’t benefit their platform, the game will remain exclusive to PlayStation and PC.

It’s frustrating to see Arrowhead Studios reduced to pawns in a corporate chess match where Sony calls the shots. This isn’t about what’s best for the game or players, this is Sony flexing its control over the industry, as if they’re presiding over a courtroom.

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The game’s success is undeniable. Helldivers 2 rapidly ascended the ranks, becoming one of the top PlayStation hits in terms of revenue. Even with a lower price point, it stood toe-to-toe with big-budget titles. But despite this, the player base has naturally fallen since its release earlier this year.

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An Xbox port could inject more life into the game, but Sony isn’t in the business of charity. The company is more concerned with using exclusives like Helldivers 2 to keep players within their ecosystem, ensuring that every player is a PlayStation player.

It’s No Surpise That Sony Of All Companies Would Do This

Sony’s power over this decision feels less about financial security and more like a power trip. Xbox recently ported several of its own exclusives to PlayStation, including Hi-Fi Rush. Those titles found new life after leaving their Xbox-only status, so it’s obvious an Xbox release of Helldivers 2 could work.

Given how critical live-service genre is becoming in the gaming industry, the last thing Sony wants is for Helldivers 2 to help Xbox in the same space. The live service market is already competitive enough without Sony sabotaging its own position by helping out its rival.

It’s ironic though since Concord was a record failure made by Sony. But maybe that’s why the company is holding this tightly onto Helldivers 2.

Sony studios devs when Sony forces them to play #Concord to make it seem like there’s a player base for it pic.twitter.com/WS3u60Izv0

— Rhino (@TheeMockingjqy) August 23, 2024

But Sony isn’t interested in reciprocity. The company doesn’t need to play nice when they’re sitting on a successful IP that can help shift more PS5 units. Why would they let a potentially profitable game boost Xbox’s lineup when they can keep it in their own camp?

Sony has always prided itself on being the platform for premier exclusives. Helldivers 2 isn’t the next God of War or The Last of Us, but it serves as a pillar in Sony’s growing push for live service games.

What do you think of Helldivers 2‘s chances for an Xbox launch? Let us know in the comments!