Sony has recently announced a significant shift in their policy regarding PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts for some PS5 games that have been ported to PC. This change, effective from the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s PC port on January 30, 2025, means that players will no longer need a PSN account to enjoy certain titles on their computers. Dive into the details to discover which games are impacted and learn about the exclusive incentives available for those who choose to link their PSN accounts.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 And Other Games No Longer Require PSN Accounts To Play On PC
Sony's decision to make PSN accounts optional for select PS5 games ported to PC is a game-changer. As detailed in their PlayStation.Blog post, this policy will affect several high-profile titles including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered slated for April 2025. However, it’s important to note that other single-player games like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Until Dawn still mandate a PSN account for their PC versions.
Incentives For Players With PSN Accounts
While PSN accounts are no longer a necessity for some PC ports, Sony is sweetening the deal for those who choose to link their accounts. Players who sign in with a PSN account can enjoy a host of additional benefits, including trophies and enhanced friend management features. Moreover, in-game bonuses await those who opt-in:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock suits including the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarok: Unlock the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (normally only accessible in New Game+), along with a resource bundle of 500 Hacksilver and 250 XP.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Gain +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, plus the exclusive Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access the Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony assures that PlayStation Studios will continue to develop more incentives for players who engage with a PSN account, promising an ever-evolving array of perks.
Sony Received Backlash For Forcing Players To Have A PSN Account
The decision to make PSN accounts optional comes on the heels of significant backlash Sony faced in 2024. The requirement for Steam players of Helldivers 2 to link a PSN account, justified by Sony as a measure for "safety and security," led to the game's delisting in over 170 countries where PSN is not supported. The outcry and negative reviews on Steam prompted Sony to reverse their stance just three days later, admitting they are "still learning what is best for PC players."
Similarly, God of War Ragnarok's PC port also drew criticism and negative feedback on its Steam page due to the PSN account requirement. Sony has yet to clarify why this is necessary for single-player experiences. The limited availability of PSN, currently supported in only around 70 countries, poses a significant barrier for players in unsupported regions, who must create accounts in other regions to bypass the requirement. This not only inconveniences players but also raises privacy concerns, especially in light of Sony’s past data breaches, leaving many fans wary of providing personal information to a third-party service.