Sony Removes PSN Requirement Ahead of Spider-Man 2 Launch on PC

In a timely update coinciding with the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for PC, PlayStation has made a significant change regarding its PSN account linking requirements. From now on, linking your PSN account will be optional for single-player titles.

This shift follows a wave of criticism that PlayStation faced in May 2024, when it enforced mandatory PSN log-ins for its co-op title, Helldivers 2. The backlash prompted the company to retract this requirement for Steam users. However, players in regions without PSN access still find themselves unable to enjoy the game on PC.

Moreover, the imposition of PSN account requirements over single-player experiences, including popular games like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, added fuel to the controversy. In response to community feedback, Sony has now taken steps to ease these restrictions.

Removal of PSN Account Requirement for Single-Player PC Games

According to an announcement made on the PlayStation Blog, the requirement for PSN sign-ins for single-player titles will be lifted starting Thursday, January 30, coinciding with the debut of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC.

Following this update, PC gamers will have the choice to log in to their PSN accounts for key titles, including:

God of War Ragnarok
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The Last of Us Part II Remastered (set to launch on April 3, 2025)

Kratos’ Black Bear armor in GoW Ragnarok

For players who choose to link their accounts, enticing in-game bonuses await. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 users will benefit from early unlocks for the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.

Those delving into God of War Ragnarok can look forward to a valuable resource bundle, which includes 500 hacksilver and 250 XP, along with an early access unlock for Kratos’ Armor of the Black Bear—previously limited to New Game Plus mode.

Horizon Zero Dawn players will receive the Nora Valiant outfit for Aloy, while fans of The Last of Us Part II can capitalize on 50 points to access bonus features and unlock Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie.

This decision comes on the heels of Sony’s president, Hiroki Totoki’s acknowledgment during a financial briefing that the mandatory account linking had “invite[d] pushback”from players.

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