Sony's PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement for some PC ports is changing. Starting after the January 30, 2025 release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC, PSN accounts will become optional for several titles.
Games Affected:
This change affects Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered (April 2025). However, games like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Until Dawn will still require PSN accounts.
Incentives for Using a PSN Account:
While optional, using a PSN account offers benefits:
- Trophies and Friend Management: Access to PlayStation's trophy system and friend lists.
- In-Game Bonuses: These vary by game:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarök: Armor of the Black Bear set and a resource bundle.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Bonus points and Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Nora Valiant outfit.
Further incentives are planned.
Background: Past Backlash:
Sony's previous requirement of PSN accounts for PC games like Helldivers 2 and God of War Ragnarök drew significant criticism. The limited geographical availability of PSN (around 70 countries) and concerns about data privacy fueled the negative response. This led to the reversal of the Helldivers 2 requirement and prompted Sony to re-evaluate its approach to PC players.
This shift towards optional PSN accounts reflects Sony's response to player feedback and aims to improve the PC gaming experience for a wider audience.
