PSN Accounts for Playstation's PC Ports No Longer Required (For Some Games)

Sony Announces Optional PSN Accounts for Select PC Game Ports

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a significant change to its PC port strategy, making PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts optional for several PlayStation 5 titles brought to PC. This shift, effective after the January 30, 2025 launch of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC, removes a previous requirement that drew considerable criticism.

Games Affected:

The change impacts several high-profile titles, including:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• God of War Ragnarök
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered (releasing April 2025)

Importantly, this does not apply to all PC ports. Games like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and Until Dawn will continue to require PSN accounts.

Incentives for PSN Account Holders:

While PSN accounts are no longer mandatory, Sony is incentivizing their use. Players who log in with their PSN accounts will receive benefits such as:

• Trophies: Earn trophies for PC gameplay.
• Friend Management: Maintain connections with friends on the PlayStation Network.
• Exclusive 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: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set and a resource bundle.
  • The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Bonus points and Ellie skin.
  • Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony has indicated that further incentives are planned.

Responding to Backlash:

This policy change follows significant player backlash in 2024. The requirement for PSN accounts in titles like Helldivers 2 and God of War Ragnarök on PC led to negative reviews and criticism, particularly concerning the limited PSN availability in many countries. The limited geographical reach of PSN forced players in unsupported regions to create accounts in supported ones, raising privacy concerns.

This move by Sony suggests a revised approach to its PC gaming strategy, aiming for broader accessibility while still offering benefits for those who choose to integrate their PC and PlayStation experiences.