Sony’s decision to make a PlayStation account mandatory for its first-party games on PC has proven controversial. It kicked off with Helldivers 2, a requirement that was introduced well after the game’s launch, and since then all PlayStation games launched on PC have required players to sign up for an account.
But it looks like gamers have managed to get through to Sony as today the company announced that PSN accounts will no longer be needed to play some of its games on PC This change will affect past releases as well as the upcoming The Last of Us Part 2.
However, it’s important to note that in the blog post, Sony did not specifically state that the account requirement would be lifted.
“An account for PlayStation Network will become optional for these titles on PC.” wrote Asad Qizilbash, SVP Head of Publishing, Studio Business Group, referencing the list of games found below.
When checking the official support page, it still states that “Some PlayStation games and features may require you sign in or link to an account for PSN.”
Sony really would still like you to use a PSN account, though, undoubtedly because it helps bolster the user numbers which Sony can in turn boast about in their financial results. To encourage you to sign up you’ll now receive little bonuses, like extra suits in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Here’s the full list of what is currently being offered:
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2:
- Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit
God of War Ragnarök:
- 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 2 Remastered:
- +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras
- Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered:
- Gain access to Nora Valiant outfit
Going forward, Sony is planning on working on more benefits for people who do choose to sign up for an account.
“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.”
Hopefully, this does spell the end for mandatory accounts. Keeping it optional seems like a much smarter play for Sony, especially since their PC venture has been fairly whelming thus far. By keeping it optional but including bonuses for signing up, they might still capture a small boost to their stats without angering the volatile PC crowd.