Sony's PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement for some PC ports is changing. Starting after the January 30, 2025 release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC, PSN accounts will become optional for several titles.
Games Affected:
This change affects Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered (April 2025). Note that other PC ports, including Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Until Dawn, will still require a PSN account.
Incentives for Using a PSN Account:
While optional, using a PSN account offers benefits:
- Trophies and Friend Management: Access to PlayStation's trophy system and friend lists.
- 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's Jordan's Jacket skin.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.
- Future Incentives: Sony plans to add more benefits for PSN account users in the future.
Background and Previous Backlash:
Sony's previous requirement for PSN accounts on PC, particularly for Helldivers 2 and God of War Ragnarök, faced significant criticism. The limited PSN availability (70+ countries) and concerns about data privacy contributed to this negative reception. The backlash led to Sony reversing its decision for Helldivers 2.
This shift towards optional PSN accounts for select PC ports reflects Sony's response to player feedback and aims to improve the PC gaming experience for a wider audience.
