Sony's recent policy on PC gaming has sparked significant controversy among gamers, particularly due to the requirement of tethering to the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player games. This policy has been a source of frustration, especially since PSN is not available in all regions, leading to restricted sales of modern releases.
In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some modifications to their approach. While not completely abandoning the idea of PSN tethering on PC, they are introducing several relaxations to their policy. The following games will no longer require mandatory PSN tethering:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarok
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
For players who choose to link their PSN accounts, Sony is offering exclusive in-game rewards:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Early access to the "2099" line of costumes for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
- God of War Ragnarok: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set from the first "Lost Things" chest at the beginning of the game, along with a resource pack.
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: Bonus points to unlock various features.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The Nora Valiant costume.
In a November investor meeting, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to the PSN connection requirement but emphasized its importance for maintaining security and order. He specifically mentioned service-based games when discussing the necessity of restrictions, yet he did not clarify how single-player titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök benefit from mandatory PSN accounts in terms of safety.
As gaming evolves, so do the expectations and needs of the gaming community. Sony's adjustments to their policy reflect an attempt to balance these demands while still protecting their ecosystem.
