Sony's recent policy on PC gaming has stirred significant discontent among gamers, particularly due to the requirement of tethering to the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player experiences. Additionally, the service's unavailability in certain regions further complicates the issue, leading to restricted sales of their latest releases.
In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some modifications to their policy. While not completely abandoning the concept of PSN tethering on PC, they are introducing several relaxations. Specifically, the following games will not mandate a PSN connection:
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarok
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
For those who choose to link their games to PSN, Sony is offering enticing incentives:
- 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 and the first "Lost Things" chest at the game's start, along with a set of resources.
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: Bonus points to unlock additional features.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The Nora Valiant costume.
During an investor Q&A in November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to the PSN requirement but emphasized its importance for maintaining security and order. While he focused on service-based games, he did not clarify how single-player titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök benefit from this security measure.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Sony's adjustments reflect an attempt to balance security concerns with player satisfaction.