Sony Removes PSN Account Requirement for Some PC Games

Sony has announced a significant shift in its strategy regarding the requirement for players to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to enjoy its PC games. Starting with the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC, Sony will no longer mandate a PSN account connection. This decision comes after feedback from the community, who expressed dissatisfaction with the previous requirement. The change applies to several titles, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. It remains uncertain whether this policy will extend to other single-player-focused PC ports like Until Dawn or Days Gone.

Despite dropping the PSN account requirement, Sony is keen on encouraging PC gamers to join its online gaming ecosystem. The company has revealed that players who opt to connect their PSN accounts will receive exclusive in-game incentives. For instance, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 players can unlock the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit early. Similarly, God of War Ragnarök players will gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set and a resource bundle at the start of their game. The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers 50 bonus points and Jordan’s Jacket as a skin for Ellie, while Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered players can access the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony plans to collaborate with developers across PlayStation Studios to introduce more benefits for those who sign up for a PSN account. While there's no confirmation yet on whether other PC games will follow suit in dropping the PSN requirement, Sony emphasized that connecting an account also provides additional perks like trophy support and friend management.

The move to remove the PSN account requirement has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. While many appreciate the official availability of previously console-exclusive titles on PC, the mandatory account linking had been a point of contention, especially in regions where PSN services are unavailable. The backlash was notably intense within the Helldivers 2 community when Sony initially announced a similar requirement for Steam users, only to reverse the decision shortly thereafter.