Sony loosens PC gaming restrictions, offering incentives for PlayStation Network account linking.
Sony has announced a significant shift in its PC gaming strategy, eliminating the PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement for several titles. This change, effective with the PC release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, means players can enjoy games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered without linking a PSN account. The impact on other single-player PC ports remains unclear.
However, Sony is still encouraging PSN account linking by offering in-game bonuses to those who connect their accounts. These incentives include early access to suits in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and resource bundles for games like God of War Ragnarök. The complete list of current PC incentives is detailed below:
PlayStation PC In-Game Content Incentives:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarök: Access to 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 activate bonus features, unlocking extras including Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony plans to collaborate with PlayStation Studios developers to add further benefits for PSN account holders on PC. While trophy support and friend management remain benefits of account linking, the company hasn't confirmed whether other PC games will also drop the PSN requirement.
The reception to Sony's PC gaming approach has been mixed. While many appreciate the availability of previously console-exclusive titles, the PSN requirement faced considerable backlash, particularly in regions without PSN access. This was notably highlighted by the brief, and quickly reversed, requirement for a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on Steam. This latest change reflects Sony's responsiveness to player feedback and aims to improve the PC gaming experience.
