Sony-Exclusive PC Title Sheds DRM Restrictions

Lost Soul Aside's PC Release Drops Controversial PSN Linking Requirement

Lost Soul Aside, a Sony-published action RPG slated for a 2025 PC release, has reportedly dropped its PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement. This significant change expands the game's market reach, allowing Sony to sell the title in over 100 countries previously unsupported by PSN.

Developed by UltiZeroGames, Lost Soul Aside is a highly anticipated title stemming from PlayStation's China Hero Project. The Devil May Cry-inspired game, boasting dynamic combat, has been in development for nearly nine years. While Sony publishes the game on both PS5 and PC, the initial implementation of mandatory PSN linking for PC titles last year faced considerable player backlash. This requirement severely limited sales potential due to PSN's geographical restrictions.

Following the December 2024 gameplay trailer release and the game's Steam page launch, the PSN linking requirement was initially listed but swiftly removed the following day, according to SteamDB update history.

A Shift in Sony's PC Gaming Strategy?

This marks the second instance of Sony reversing its PSN linking mandate for PC games, the first being Helldivers 2. This suggests a potential softening of Sony's stance on the requirement. The decision likely stems from a desire to maximize Lost Soul Aside's player base and sales, especially considering the underwhelming PC performance of other PSN-linked titles like God of War Ragnarok, which saw significantly fewer Steam players compared to its predecessor. While the exact reasons remain unclear, the move indicates a more flexible approach to future PlayStation PC releases. The removal of this barrier is undoubtedly welcome news for PC gamers worldwide.