Sony's recent policy on PC gaming has sparked considerable debate among gamers. The company's requirement for a PSN account, even for single-player games, has been a point of contention, especially since the service isn't available in all regions, leading to restrictions on the sale of modern releases.
In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some adjustments to their policy. While they haven't completely eliminated the need for PSN tethering on PC, they are introducing certain relaxations. Specifically, the following games will not require mandatory PSN tethering:
- 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 enticing rewards:
- 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 from 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 additional features.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The Nora Valiant costume.
In November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki addressed investor concerns about the PSN connection requirement. He acknowledged the opposition but emphasized the necessity of maintaining security and order. Totoki focused on service-based games but did not clarify how single-player titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök benefit from mandatory PSN accounts in terms of safety.
As gaming evolves, so too must the policies that govern it. Sony's adjustments reflect an attempt to balance user satisfaction with their strategic goals.
