Following Ferocious PC Backlash, PSN Accounts Will Become Optional But Offer In-Game Rewards 1

Sony has announced a couple of changes to the range of first-party games it's bringing to PC, and it's good news all around.

A particularly thorny issue is that players on PC have been forced to link up to a PSN account in order to play certain games — including a few that don't have any meaningful online functionality.

However, it seems the platform holder is softening on this requirement. For some of Sony's games on PC, a PSN account will no longer be mandatory.

The games in question include Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.

"An account for PlayStation Network will become optional for these titles on PC," reads a new post on the PS Blog.

While that'll be welcome news for PC users, Sony obviously still wants you to engage with PSN, so it's also offering new incentives for linking your account on PC.

In addition to benefits like "trophies and friend management", the four aforementioned games "will all soon be adding in-game content unlocks for PlayStation Network account users".

The in-game benefits are as follows:

  • Marvel's Spider-Man 2 — Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit
  • God of War Ragnarok — Gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP)
  • The Last of Us Part II Remastered
  • Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered — Gain access to Nora Valiant outfit

Interestingly, the PS Blog post rounds out by adding that these in-game unlocks will be an incentive in other future titles. "Game creators at PlayStation Studios will continue to work on bringing more benefits to players who sign up for a PlayStation Network account, so be sure to follow studio channels for more information."

These feel like smart changes to us; requiring a PSN account for games like Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered or God of War Ragnarok has been a pet peeve for PC players. Making PSN accounts a bit more attractive, while also making them optional for certain games, feels like it's pleasing both sides.

What do you think? Is this a good call from Sony? Are you interested in in-game incentives to link your PSN account on PC? Discuss in the comments section below.

[source blog.playstation.com]