Sony Removes PSN Account Requirement for Some PC Games

Sony has announced a significant shift in its strategy regarding PC gaming, no longer requiring players to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to enjoy some of its titles. This change, detailed in a recent PlayStation.Blog post, will start with the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC. This move comes in response to feedback from the gaming community, which has been vocal about their displeasure with the previous requirement. Affected titles now include Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. While it's uncertain how this will affect other single-player PC ports such as Until Dawn or Days Gone, it's a welcome change for many.

Despite dropping the mandatory PSN account linking, Sony is keen on encouraging PC gamers to join its online ecosystem. The company has introduced new incentives for those who choose to connect their accounts. For instance, players of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 can unlock the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit early. God of War Ragnarök players can access the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms, along with a resource bundle of 500 Hacksilver and 250 XP. The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, including Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered players will gain access to the Nora Valiant outfit. Sony has hinted at more benefits to come, working closely with developers across the PlayStation Studios to enhance the experience for PSN account holders. Alongside these incentives, connecting an account also grants access to trophy support and friend management.

Sony's move to PC gaming has elicited mixed reactions. While many appreciate the official availability of previously console-exclusive titles, the requirement to link a PSN account for single-player games like God of War or The Last of Us has been a point of contention. This issue was particularly highlighted in the Helldivers 2 community last May, when PlayStation announced that Steam users would need to connect a PSN account to play, only to reverse course a few days later due to significant backlash from PC players in territories where PSN is unavailable.