Arrowhead Studios, the developer of Helldivers 2, recently issued a warning to players regarding the presence of counterfeit versions of the game and other well-known titles on Steam. In a message shared on Discord, the studio expressed concern over the existence of fake games claiming to be Helldivers 2 on the platform. These counterfeit versions, which were not created by Arrowhead Studios, were misleading players by falsely associating themselves with the legitimate game. The studio’s legal team is actively addressing the situation and has requested the removal of these unauthorized products by Steam.
Following the studio’s alert, Steam Database reported that at least two of the fake Helldivers 2 versions had been removed from the digital storefront. The imposters, identified as indie games Figularity and Do Not Smile, employed deceptive tactics by changing their names to Helldivers 2, substituting genuine Helldivers screenshots, and attributing the developer and publisher names to Arrowhead Game Studios and PlayStation LLC, respectively. This fraudulent behavior was swiftly addressed by Arrowhead Studios, leading to the removal of the counterfeit games.
In response to the incident, Arrowhead Studios emphasized the importance of identifying genuine game copies. The only legitimate versions of Helldivers 2 are the original game and the Super Citizen Edition, both of which are officially associated with Arrowhead Studios. Players were advised to verify the release date of Helldivers 2, which was February 8, 2024, as a means of distinguishing authentic copies from fake ones. The studio stressed the need to remain cautious and avoid engaging with fraudulent listings to prevent scams and safeguard security.
The issue of fake game copies extended beyond Helldivers 2, affecting other popular titles within the gaming community. Reports indicated that copycat versions of games like Palworld, Last Epoch, and Escape From Tarkov were also being circulated on Steam. This widespread counterfeiting not only misled players but also undermined the credibility of legitimate developers and publishers within the industry. Players were urged to remain vigilant and cautious while navigating digital storefronts to avoid falling victim to counterfeit schemes.
The prevalence of fake game copies on Steam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital products before making any purchases. Players should exercise diligence and skepticism when encountering questionable listings and report any suspicious activities to the relevant platforms. Maintaining awareness and staying informed about potential scams is essential in safeguarding the integrity of the gaming community and protecting oneself from fraudulent practices.
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