Sony has announced a significant shift in its PC gaming strategy, removing the necessity to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for several of its PC games. This change kicks off with the upcoming release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC. The move comes in response to feedback from players who have voiced their frustration with this requirement. The list of games no longer requiring a PSN account includes Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. However, it's still 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 keen on encouraging PC gamers to join its online ecosystem. The company has revealed new incentives for those who choose to connect their PSN accounts. These perks include early unlocks of special suits in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and resource bundles for God of War Ragnarök. Here's a detailed look at the incentives:
PlayStation in-game content incentives on PC:
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 - Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
God of War Ragnarök - Gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP).
The Last of Us Part II Remastered - +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras. Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Gain access to Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony has hinted at further collaboration with developers within PlayStation Studios to offer more benefits for those who sign up for a PSN account. Currently, there is no information on whether other PC titles in Sony's catalog will follow suit with this change. In addition to these new in-game bonuses, Sony emphasizes that linking a PSN account also provides access to features like trophy support and friend management.
The response to Sony's presence in the PC gaming market has been varied. While many fans appreciate the opportunity to play formerly console-exclusive titles, the PSN account requirement has been a point of contention, particularly for those in regions where PSN is not available. This issue was particularly highlighted within the Helldivers 2 community last year when Sony initially mandated a PSN account link for Steam users, only to retract this decision shortly afterward due to significant backlash.
