PlayStation PC Gaming Goes Account-Free

Sony loosens its grip on PSN account linking for PC games, offering incentives for those who connect.

Sony recently announced a significant shift in its PC gaming strategy, eliminating the requirement to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for several PC titles. This change, effective with the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC, addresses player concerns regarding the previous mandatory PSN account linking. Games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will no longer require PSN account connections to play. The impact on other single-player PC ports remains unclear.

While removing the PSN requirement demonstrates responsiveness to player feedback, Sony is still incentivizing account linking. Connecting a PSN account will grant access to exclusive in-game bonuses, including early suit unlocks in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and resource bundles for titles such as God of War Ragnarök. These incentives are 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 bonus points to activate features and unlock extras, including Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony plans to continue collaborating with PlayStation Studios developers to offer more benefits for PSN account connections, including features like trophy support and friend management. The company hasn't confirmed whether other PC games will also drop the PSN linking requirement.

The reception to Sony's PC gaming foray has been mixed. While many appreciate the wider availability of previously console-exclusive titles, the mandatory PSN account linking faced significant backlash, particularly in regions where PSN isn't available. This was notably highlighted by the brief, and ultimately reversed, requirement for a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on Steam. This latest move suggests Sony is adapting its approach to better suit the PC gaming community.