While Xbox console owners have enjoyed a plethora of new releases in recent months, Helldivers 2 may be one game they must forgo totally. The latest co-op shooter from Arrowhead Game Studio will be released worldwide on February 8, 2024, at 9 a.m. UK time.
While the sequel to the 2015 release will be available for PlayStation consoles and PC at the same time, those using Microsoft gaming systems will be out of luck.
Arrowhead developed Helldivers 2, however it was published and licensed under PlayStation’s intellectual property list. Naturally, this makes Xbox consoles a competing entity, therefore the game will not be offered on either the older-gen or current-gen Xbox platforms.
In reality, this was made evident when the first trailer debuted. The initial Helldivers release, which can be played on both PlayStation consoles and PC, received the same approach.
Is Helldivers 2 on Xbox?
Certain games are developed by a PlayStation company and released on Xbox systems. The best example of such a game is MLB The Show 23, which is compatible with both generations of Xbox platforms.
Global launch times for HELLDIVERS 2! When is it dropping for you?
HELLDIVERS 2 on PS5 and PC:https://t.co/D7KATLPUj2https://t.co/ypmb6aYsdT pic.twitter.com/lHYGHIN6Lz
— HELLDIVERS 2™ (@helldivers2) February 5, 2024
MLB The Show 24 will follow suit and be accessible on the Nintendo Switch as well. This is only feasible with MLB. MLB publishes the Show directly. PlayStation owns the publication rights and licensing for Helldivers 2, hence it will have restricted availability on platforms.
Will Helldivers 2 be added to the Xbox Game Pass?
The Xbox Game Pass subscription, unlike the consoles, caters to a broader ecosystem. After all, it includes titles that are only available for PCs. The new co-op shooter will also be released on PC simultaneously.
However, it will not be accessible at launch on the Xbox Game Pass. Given the partnership between Xbox and PlayStation, Helldivers 2 is unlikely to appear on the Game Pass in the future.
In truth, the game is unlikely to be offered on the PS Plus membership at this time. While PlayStation updated its membership service earlier in 2022, day-one releases are still not included.
Unlike the Xbox Game Pass, the Helldivers sequel is likely to finally make its way to the PS Plus subscription. First-party PlayStation titles are normally added after some time to ensure that they are available to all active customers.