Sony is dropping the PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement for several of its PC games, starting with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launching tomorrow. This change addresses player concerns about the previous mandatory linking. Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will no longer require a PSN account to play. The impact on other single-player titles remains unclear.
However, Sony is incentivizing PSN account connections with in-game bonuses. Connecting your account will unlock rewards such as early suits in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and resource bundles in God of War Ragnarök. Here's a breakdown:
PlayStation PC In-Game Content 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: Armor of the Black Bear set (previously only accessible in New Game+) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP).
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: +50 bonus points and Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony plans to add more benefits for PSN account holders across its PlayStation Studios titles. Connecting your account also provides access to features like trophy support and friend management.
The reception to PlayStation's PC releases has been mixed. While many welcome the wider availability of formerly console-exclusive games, the PSN requirement faced criticism, particularly in regions without PSN access. This was highlighted by the brief, and ultimately reversed, PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 on Steam last May.