PSN Accounts for Playstation's PC Ports No Longer Required (For Some Games)

Sony Announces Optional PSN Accounts for Some PC Game Ports

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a significant change to its PC port strategy, making PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts optional for select PS5 titles brought to PC. This decision follows player feedback and aims to improve accessibility for a wider audience.

PSN No Longer Mandatory for Several PC Titles

Effective after the January 30, 2025 launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC, players will no longer be required to link a PSN account to play several titles. This includes Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming April 2025 release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. However, it's important to note that other single-player PC ports, such as Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Until Dawn, will continue to require PSN account linkage.

Incentives for PSN Account Holders

While PSN accounts are no longer mandatory, Sony is incentivizing players to connect their accounts. Benefits include access to trophies, friend management features, and exclusive in-game bonuses:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
• God of War Ragnarök: 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 unlock bonus features and Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony also hints at future incentives, promising continued development of PSN benefits for connected players.

Addressing Past Backlash

This policy shift follows criticism received in 2024 regarding PSN account requirements for PC ports. The mandatory PSN linkage for Helldivers 2 resulted in its delisting in numerous countries lacking PSN support, sparking widespread negative feedback. Similar criticism targeted God of War Ragnarök's PC port. This experience clearly influenced Sony's decision to offer more flexibility for PC players. The company acknowledges the limitations of PSN's geographic availability and the privacy concerns associated with mandatory third-party account linking.