The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, introduces a controversial requirement: a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This decision, mirroring Sony's approach with previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, has sparked renewed debate among players.
While the Steam page clearly states the PSN account necessity and allows linking existing accounts, the requirement remains a point of contention. Past incidents, such as the backlash against a similar requirement for Helldivers 2 (subsequently removed by Sony), highlight player frustration with this practice.
While PSN account linkage is understandable for games with multiplayer components or PlayStation-specific overlays (like Ghost of Tsushima), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The lack of online features makes the PSN requirement seem arbitrary to many. This likely reflects Sony's strategy to expand its PSN user base, a business-driven decision that risks alienating potential PC players.
The free nature of a basic PSN account doesn't negate the inconvenience of creating or linking an additional profile. Furthermore, PSN's global availability limitations could effectively prevent some players from accessing the game. This restriction contrasts with the series' reputation for accessibility, potentially causing further negative reactions. The situation remains a delicate balance between Sony's business goals and player expectations.
