Arrowhead, Helldivers 2 Developer, Offers Festive Resolution to Killzone Collaboration Price Controversy

Since the Killzone crossover was introduced in Helldivers 2 by developer Arrowhead, the hefty prices attached to the new items have stirred quite a bit of controversy. In an effort to address the backlash, the studio has decided to offer the second wave of crossover gear at no cost.

Players’ main grievance is the steep amount of super credits required for the new assault rifle and armor set, which aren’t bundled as a warbond. This dissatisfaction reached a peak, prompting Arrowhead’s CEO Shams Jorjani and Johan Pilestedt to engage with the community across social media, trying to clarify their pricing strategy.

Hoping to win back player goodwill, Arrowhead announced that part two of the collaboration, initially planned for release on December 23, will now be available as a complimentary holiday gift starting today.

In a statement on Steam, Arrowhead acknowledged their first crossover offering wasn’t met with universal excitement and assured players they’ve been attentive to community feedback regarding such collaborations. “We hear you,” they wrote, “and many of you have expressed your concerns about our pricing. We plan to address this.”

Additionally, Arrowhead assured players the current items in the Superstore will stay available for an extended period, from five to ten days, easing any anxieties about missing out. They’re also exploring ways to make these special items a permanent fixture for players in the future.

Despite the initial rough patch, Arrowhead’s gesture to share the gear for free could be a step towards mending relations with their player base. Yet, striking the right balance on pricing remains a challenge—one they’ll need to tackle to maintain player satisfaction. After all, it’s the season of giving, and their effort certainly aligns with that sentiment.

How do you feel about Arrowhead’s decision to offer the Killzone crossover gear for free? Has it softened your stance on the pricing issues? Let’s hear your thoughts!