Sony loosens its grip on PSN account linking for PC games, offering incentives for those who connect.
In a recent PlayStation Blog post, Sony announced a significant shift in its PC gaming strategy. Starting with the PC release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, players will no longer be required to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play select titles. This change also retroactively applies to previously released PC ports, including The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. The impact on other single-player PC ports remains unclear.
While removing the PSN requirement addresses player concerns, Sony still aims to encourage PSN account linking. To incentivize connection, the company is introducing in-game bonuses for those who link their accounts. These include early access to suits in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and one-time resource bundles for games like God of War Ragnarök.
Here's a summary of the announced PC 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 Jordan’s Jacket for Ellie.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony plans to collaborate with PlayStation Studios developers to offer more benefits for PSN account holders on PC. The company also highlights that connecting an account provides access to features like trophy support and friend management.
This change follows previous controversies, including the short-lived requirement for a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 on Steam, which Sony quickly reversed. The reception to Sony's PC gaming strategy has been mixed, with many players expressing frustration over the previous PSN account requirement, particularly in regions where PSN isn't available. This move suggests Sony is adapting to player feedback and seeking a more balanced approach to its PC game releases.
