Sony's PC gaming strategy shifts: No more mandatory PSN accounts for select titles.
Sony has announced a significant change to its PC gaming strategy, eliminating the requirement to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for several of its PC titles. This shift, starting with the PC release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, addresses player concerns about the previous mandatory PSN account linking. Games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will also no longer require PSN account connection. The impact on other single-player PC ports remains unclear.
However, Sony isn't abandoning its online ecosystem entirely. For players who do link their PSN accounts, exclusive in-game bonuses will be offered. These include early access to suits in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and resource bundles for titles such as God of War Ragnarök. The full list of current incentives is detailed below:
PlayStation PC In-Game Content Incentives:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarök: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set (previously only available in New Game+) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP).
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: +50 points to activate bonus features, unlocking extras and Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony plans to continue collaborating with PlayStation Studios developers to provide further benefits for players linking their PSN accounts, including features like trophy support and friend management. The company hasn't confirmed whether other PC games will also drop the PSN account requirement.
This policy change follows previous controversies, including the short-lived requirement for a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on Steam, which was quickly reversed due to significant player backlash, particularly in regions lacking PSN access. The reception to Sony's PC gaming initiatives has been mixed, with some celebrating wider access to PlayStation titles while others criticized the initial mandatory PSN account linking.
