Sony is making strides in improving its relationship with PC gamers after facing backlash for its initial decision to require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for many of its PC releases. While the requirement was met with frustration, especially with Helldivers 2, Sony has recently changed course, offering a more player-friendly approach for some of its major single-player titles.
In a recent blog post, Sony revealed that PSN logins will now be optional for PC versions of Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part II, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. These games can now be purchased, downloaded, and played without the need for a Sony account, providing greater accessibility for PC players who just want to enjoy the games without the extra hassle.
If players choose to log in with a PSN account, they’ll be rewarded with exclusive items, such as costumes and in-game bonuses, or early access to these items, which would otherwise be unlocked through progression in the game. It’s a more appealing incentive for those who enjoy Sony’s ecosystem, without forcing players into it.
However, this change only applies to select single-player titles, and multiplayer games may still require a PSN login. LEGO Horizon Adventures, for example, which features an online co-op mode, still mandates a PSN login, according to its Steam listing. While this is a welcome shift, Sony’s strict policies on multiplayer titles suggest that this may not be the last time players encounter these kinds of requirements in the future.