Sony's approach to PC gaming has sparked significant controversy among gamers, particularly with their policy requiring a PlayStation Network (PSN) account even for single-player games. This has been a point of contention, especially since the PSN service isn't available in all regions, leading to restrictions on the sales of modern releases.
Recently, Sony announced some adjustments to their policy. While they haven't completely abandoned the idea of PSN tethering on PC, they are introducing certain relaxations. In an effort to address player concerns, Sony has decided that tethering to PSN will not be mandatory for the following games:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarok
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
For those who choose to link their PSN account, there are incentives in place:
- 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 and 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 features and more.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Nora Valiant costume.
In response to inquiries from investors in November, COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to PSN connection requirements but emphasized their 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, so too must the policies that govern it. Sony's adjustments reflect a responsiveness to community feedback while still maintaining their core strategy around PSN integration.
