Sony has recently announced that PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts will no longer be mandatory for playing certain PS5 games ported to PC, a move that reflects their responsiveness to player feedback. This change will come into effect following the PC release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on January 30, 2025. Read on to discover which games are included in this update and learn about the enticing incentives for those who choose to use their PSN accounts.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Other Games Now Playable Without PSN Accounts on PC
Sony's decision to make PSN accounts optional for select PS5 games on PC is a significant shift in their strategy. According to a recent PlayStation.Blog post, players will no longer need a PSN account to enjoy the PC versions of several high-profile titles. This includes Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming The Last of Us Part II Remastered, set to launch on PC in April 2025. However, note that other single-player games like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Until Dawn will still require a PSN account.
Incentives for Players Choosing to Use PSN Accounts
While PSN accounts are now optional, Sony is offering exclusive incentives for those who opt to log in with their PSN credentials. These benefits include access to trophies, friend management, and in-game bonuses:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
- God of War Ragnarok: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (normally only available in New Game+), plus a resource bundle of 500 Hacksilver and 250 XP.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, along with Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Gain access to the Nora Valiant outfit.
Sony has also hinted at future incentives, stating that "Game creators at PlayStation Studios will continue to work on bringing more benefits to players who sign up for a PlayStation Network account."
Sony's Response to Previous Backlash
Sony faced significant backlash in 2024 after mandating PSN accounts for Helldivers 2 on Steam, citing "safety and security" reasons. This decision led to the game being delisted in over 170 countries without PSN support, prompting a swift reversal just three days later following widespread criticism and negative reviews. Similarly, the PC port of God of War Ragnarok encountered negative feedback due to the PSN requirement for single-player games.
The PSN service is currently available in only around 70 countries, leaving many players in unsupported regions at a disadvantage. These players often had to create accounts in supported regions, raising concerns about privacy and data security, especially in light of Sony’s past data breaches. This recent policy change reflects Sony's ongoing efforts to better cater to the needs and preferences of PC gamers worldwide.
