Sony has announced a significant shift in its strategy for PC gaming, opting to remove the PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement for several of its titles. This change will start with the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC, signaling that Sony has been responsive to the feedback from the gaming community who were not in favor of this obligation. The move will affect a range of games, 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 PC ports like Until Dawn or Days Gone.
Despite dropping the mandatory account linking, Sony is still keen on encouraging PC gamers to engage with its online ecosystem. The company revealed that those who choose to link their PlayStation Network account will receive exclusive in-game incentives. For example, players of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 can unlock suits early, such as the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit. Similarly, God of War Ragnarök players can gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos and a resource bundle, while The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers bonus points and a unique skin for Ellie. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered players can unlock the Nora Valiant outfit. Sony plans to collaborate further with PlayStation Studios to introduce more perks for account holders.
In addition to these new incentives, linking a PSN account continues to provide other benefits such as trophy support and friend management, which can enhance the gaming experience. Sony emphasized its commitment to improving player experiences on PC, although it hasn't specified if other games in its library will also drop the PSN requirement.
The decision to remove the PSN linking requirement comes after mixed feedback on Sony's presence on PC. While many gamers have welcomed the opportunity to play previously console-exclusive titles, the PSN account mandate drew criticism, particularly from players in regions where PSN is not accessible. The issue was highlighted last year with Helldivers 2, where an initial requirement to connect a PSN account for Steam users was met with significant backlash, prompting Sony to reverse the decision shortly after.
