PlayStation Network (PSN) Accounts No Longer Mandatory for Select PC Game Ports
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a significant change to its PC port strategy: PSN accounts are no longer required to play several PlayStation 5 titles ported to PC. This policy shift, detailed on PlayStation.Blog, takes effect following the January 30, 2025, release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC.
Games Affected by the PSN Account Change
The following games will allow PC players to enjoy the experience without a PSN account:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarök
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered (releasing April 2025)
It's important to note that this change doesn't apply to all PC ports. Titles like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and Until Dawn will still require a PSN account.
Incentives for PSN Account Holders
While PSN accounts are no longer mandatory, Sony is offering incentives for players who choose to link their accounts:
- Trophies and Friend Management: Access to standard PSN features.
- In-Game Bonuses: These vary by game:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarök: Armor of the Black Bear set (previously only available in New Game+) and a resource bundle.
- 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 indicates that more incentives may be added in the future.
Addressing Past Backlash
This policy shift follows significant player backlash in 2024. The requirement of PSN accounts for games like Helldivers 2 and God of War Ragnarök on PC drew criticism due to PSN's limited geographic availability (approximately 70 countries) and concerns about sharing personal data with a third-party service. Sony's initial justification – "safety and security" – proved insufficient for many players. The negative reception led Sony to reverse its decision on Helldivers 2 and reassess its approach to PC player experiences. This updated policy reflects that reevaluation.
