The following is a paste of the "account linking FAQ they’ve posted on their discord containing time-frames for when the change kicks in. Particularly funny is the subtle “make an account in a different country” of point #3:
"Here are the questions and answers that we have received regarding mandatory account linking so far. We will update this thread with any additional info if we receive it!
**1. What’s the benefit of having a PlayStation Network Account? I don’t have a PlayStation. ** Account linking provides a consistent and reliable means of reporting, moderation, actioning and appeal for ALL Helldivers 2 players. We take online safety seriously and this is our main way to protect players from griefing and abuse: by enabling the banning and suspension of players that engage in that type of behaviour.
By linking accounts, you have the benefit of our extensive support team infrastructure for reporting these bad actors (and our appeals process if you are banned/suspended). This all helps us to make Helldivers 2 a safer and more enjoyable space for everyone.
**2. Why do I need a PlayStation Network account now? I didn’t when the game launched on Steam. ** Due to technical issues at the launch of HELLDIVERS™ 2, account linking was temporarily made optional. Now that the issue has been resolved, this grace period is expiring and we are reinstating the requirement to link accounts.
**3. I am currently in a country or territory that is not PSN-enabled. Can I still sign in and link an account? ** PSN requires users to register in their country or territory of residence. Individuals who are traveling, working, or studying abroad may create an account in a country or territory different from the one in which they are currently located.
**4. When is this happening? And how do I connect my PSN account to my Steam account? ** Current players on Steam: Current players on Steam will start to see the mandatory login from May 30th and will be required to have linked a Steam and PlayStation Network account by June 4th. New players on Steam: You will begin to see the account linking option appear when booting up Helldivers 2 from May 6th. To connect your accounts follow the prompts on screen. You will be required to link a Steam and PlayStation Network account from May 6th.
**5. How will my data for account creation be used? Is it safe? ** However you choose to play, we strive to make gaming welcoming, secure, and inclusive for everyone. We’ve created easy-to-use tools to help you take control of who you interact with, how we use your personal information, and how it is displayed and shared.
You can find more information on our privacy and safety features here: https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/privacy-security-safety/
For more details about how we use your personal information, check the “Information Sharing and Transfers” section of our Privacy Policy: https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/legal/privacy-policy/
**6. I already have Helldivers 2 on PS5 and Steam, do I have to make a new account for the Steam version? ** No, you do not need to make a new PlayStation Network account. You can connect your current PlayStation Network account to your Steam account.
**7. If I own Helldivers 2 on PS5 and Steam, will my progress be shared between platforms? ** No, progress on the PS5 and Steam version of Helldivers 2 remains separate at this time.
**8. How do I sign up for a PlayStation Network account? ** You can create an account online via your phone/PC browser before you launch Helldivers 2, or you can create an account online when prompted to upon launching Helldivers 2.
Support page: https://www.playstation.com/support/account/create-account-for-psn/
Direct account creation page:https://id.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/id/create_account_ca/"
Basically if you don’t live in a PSN country, they want you to lie to make a PSN account, making you in breach of the TOS. But they don’t want to say it directly. So they only answer in that mealy mouthed if you’re traveling scenario.
What this means is if you live in one of the 66% of the world countries that doesn’t have access to PSN You’re going to lose access to the game. Unless you lie. And if you lie you could get banned. It’s a catch22
And, good luck even trying to contact their customer support. The second they notice that your geolocation doesn’t match your selected country they’ll close the chat warning you that “Creation of an account within a region where you do not reside is a violation of the SEN Terms of Service […]”.
Screenshot of the message that the user received: https://imgur.com/a/AfaVGxG
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/ntiy0u/psa_if_you_move_country_and_continue_using_your/
Bahahaha, you’re right. At first I was like, dang that’s a cheeky move on the country thing. I didn’t think of how it could fuck you eventually.