- Fans criticize PSN account requirement for single-player gameplay
- Global access limited as PSN isn’t available in all regions
- Sony’s strategy sparks debate on expanding its PC gaming footprint
Sony’s upcoming release of The Last of Us Part 2 remastered for PC has turned all heads to it, but not everyone seems impressed. Instead, they are disappointed as, to their surprise, a PlayStation Network (PSN) is required to play the game.
Backlash Over PSN Account Requirement
The game will be launching in April 2025, and players can grab it from Steam and Epic Games stores. Now, this move has left many of them unhappy as they think the PSN account requirement (spotted by VGC) is entirely unnecessary.
This is also raising questions regarding Sony’s intention; at one point company wanted to launch the games on PC, and on the other hand, they are asking fans to have a PSN account, and fans are getting annoyed.
However, the requirement to have PS specific account is not new; many multiplayer games released on this platform needed a PSN account, including games like Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon: Forbidden West. But as The Last of Us Part 2 is a single-player game, this doesn’t fit well with this scheme of Sony for PC.
The major issue lying ahead is that PSN isn’t available in all countries. This could mean that despite having a PC, players from some regions won’t be able to enjoy the game, restricting global access.
Yet Sony hasn’t done anything to reconsider it, and it seems likely a strategy to draw in more players into their ecosystem, especially those who don’t yet own PlayStation consoles.
This isn’t the first time Sony has faced backlash over similar decisions. Last year, players protested against the PSN account requirement update in Helldivers 2, and Sony had to surrender, reversing this decision shortly.
Sony’s Vision for PC Expansion Amid Criticism
Now, time will reveal if the same happens in the case of Last of Us Part 2 or if the company stays firm in its stance. Recently, Sony also revealed plans to release more PlayStation-exclusive installments on PC and aiming to expand its reach beyond one platform.
Although concerns arose that it could be a risky step as the PlayStation users may shift to PC, which Sony mentioned, “In terms of losing users to PCs, we have neither confirmed that any such trend is underway nor do we see it as a major risk, so far.”
While some may be frustrated with the PSN requirement and remain divided, Sony remains optimistic about the future of its console and PC business. The gaming giant has long-term visions and devising ways to lay out all plans effectively.
Still, the company take into account the player’s opinion to keep up the community’s trust in the company.
