Sony's recent policy changes regarding PC gaming have sparked significant debate among gamers. The company's insistence on tethering to the PlayStation Network (PSN) 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 sales of modern releases.
In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some modifications to their policy. While they have not completely abandoned the idea of requiring a PSN connection on PC, they are introducing certain relaxations. Specifically, the following games will not mandate 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 connect to PSN despite the optional nature, Sony is offering incentives:
- 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 features and more.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Nora Valiant costume.
In November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki addressed investor concerns about the PSN connection requirement. He acknowledged the opposition but emphasized its importance for maintaining security and order. Totoki's comments focused on service-based games, yet he did not clarify how requiring a PSN account enhances the safety of single-player titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök.
As gaming evolves, so too must the policies that govern it. Sony's adjustments reflect an attempt to balance user demands with their operational needs, though the debate over PSN tethering continues.
