Sony's recent policy changes regarding PC gaming have sparked significant debate among gamers. Initially, the requirement to tether to PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player games drew widespread criticism, especially since PSN is not available in all regions, leading to restrictions on the sales of modern releases.
In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some modifications to this policy. While they have not completely abandoned the idea of tethering to PSN on PC, they are introducing several relaxations. For certain games, tethering to PSN will no longer be mandatory. These games include:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarok
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
For players who choose to link their games to PSN despite these changes, Sony is offering enticing incentives:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Early access to the "2099" line of costumes for Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
- God of War Ragnarok: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set from the first "Lost Things" chest at the beginning of the game, along with a set of resources.
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: Bonus points to unlock various features.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The Nora Valiant costume.
In response to investor inquiries in November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to PSN connection but emphasized its necessity for maintaining security and order. He discussed these restrictions in the context of service-based games but did not clarify how single-player games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök benefit from a mandatory PSN account in terms of safety.
As gaming evolves, Sony's adjustments to its PC policies reflect an attempt to balance security concerns with player satisfaction and regional accessibility.
