Lost Soul Aside's PC Release to Bypass PSN Account Linking Requirement
Lost Soul Aside, a Sony-published action RPG slated for a 2025 PC release, has reportedly dropped the controversial PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement. This significant change will allow Sony to sell the game in regions unsupported by PSN, dramatically expanding its potential market reach and sales.
The decision marks a potential shift in Sony's strategy for PlayStation titles on PC. Initially, mandatory PSN linking for PC releases drew considerable criticism, limiting sales to regions with PSN support. Over 100 countries lack PSN support, significantly hindering the sales of games enforcing this requirement.
Lost Soul Aside, a highly anticipated title from UltiZeroGames (a Shanghai-based studio) and a product of PlayStation's China Hero Project, has been in development for nearly nine years. The game, described as a Devil May Cry-inspired hack-and-slash action RPG, will launch on both PS5 and PC.
Evidence suggests the PSN requirement was removed shortly after the game's December 2024 gameplay trailer and Steam page launch. While the Steam page initially mentioned the requirement, SteamDB records show its subsequent removal.
A Second Instance of Sony Relaxing PSN Linking
This marks the second time Sony has seemingly reversed its PSN linking policy for a PC release, the first being Helldivers 2. This suggests a possible softening of their stance, moving away from the previously perceived mandatory nature of PSN linking for PlayStation PC games.
The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but it’s speculated that Sony aims to maximize Lost Soul Aside's player base. The poor PC performance of some PlayStation games following the PSN linking mandate, particularly God of War Ragnarok, which saw significantly lower Steam player counts than its predecessor, may have influenced this change. The removal of the requirement could be a strategic move to boost sales and broaden the game's appeal.
