Sony is eliminating the requirement to link a PlayStation Network account for certain PC games, while introducing new incentives for players who choose to do so.
Outlined in a recent PlayStation.Blog post, this policy change begins with the PC launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The decision reflects feedback from players who disliked the mandatory account linking, and several previously released PC titles will no longer require a PSN account. Affected games include Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. It remains uncertain how this will impact other single-player-focused PC ports like Until Dawn or Days Gone.
Despite the removal of the obligation, Sony is still encouraging PC gamers to join its online ecosystem. Alongside the announcement, the company confirmed special rewards for players who do connect their PSN accounts. These include early access to suits in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and one-time resource bundles for games such as God of War Ragnarök. Check out the full list of announced PC incentives below.
PlayStation in-game content incentives on PC:
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2- Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.God of War Ragnarök - Unlock the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously a New Game+ exclusive) and receive a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP).The Last of Us Part II Remastered - +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras. Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Gain access to the Nora Valiant outfit
Sony hinted that it will continue collaborating with PlayStation Studios developers to offer "more benefits for players who sign up for a PlayStation Network account." There is no current information on whether other PC titles will also drop the linking requirement. In addition to the new in-game bonuses, PlayStation reassured users that connecting an account provides advantages like trophy support and friend management features.
Reception to PlayStation’s expansion onto PC has been divided. While countless players welcome the chance to experience former console exclusives, many have criticized the PSN mandate. The requirement forced players to create and link an account even for purely single-player games like God of War or The Last of Us. This sparked backlash from PC gamers in regions where PSN is not available.
Controversy erupted in the Helldivers 2 community last May when PlayStation announced that Steam users would need a connected PlayStation Network account to play. The company, however, swiftly reversed its decision within days.
