No Longer Required: Link PSN Account for Select Sony PC Games

Sony is dropping the PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement for several of its PC games, starting with Marvel's Spider-Man 2. This change addresses player concerns about the mandatory linking, previously required for titles like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. While the impact on other single-player PC ports remains unclear, this shift signals a response to negative feedback.

However, Sony isn't abandoning its online ecosystem entirely. Connecting a PSN account will now unlock in-game bonuses for some titles. These incentives include early access to suits in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and resource packs for games like God of War Ragnarök. Specific rewards are detailed below:

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: The 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 points to activate bonus features, unlocking extras including Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony plans to continue collaborating with PlayStation Studios developers to offer more PSN account benefits. While trophy support and friend management remain perks of linking an account, the company hasn't confirmed whether other PC games will also remove the PSN linking requirement.

The reception to Sony's PC gaming strategy has been mixed. While many appreciate the availability of previously console-exclusive titles, the mandatory PSN linking caused significant backlash, particularly in regions where PSN isn't accessible. This decision follows a similar reversal concerning Helldivers 2 last year, where a mandatory PSN link was quickly retracted after initial announcement.