The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces users to create or link a PSN account to play, a move met with past backlash.
While Sony's decision to bring the acclaimed sequel to PC is welcomed, the PSN mandate is a point of contention. The official Steam page clearly states this requirement, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts. This mirrors similar requirements for other PlayStation PC ports, notably resulting in Sony's reversal of the PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 due to negative player response.
The rationale behind requiring a PSN account for a single-player game like The Last of Us Part II remains unclear. While understandable from a business standpoint—potentially encouraging PSN adoption—it contrasts with the game's accessibility focus. The free PSN account creation process, while simple, adds an extra step, potentially excluding players in regions where the PSN isn't available. This restriction, coupled with previous negative reactions, highlights a potential disconnect between Sony's business strategy and player expectations.
