PlayStation Exclusive Arrives on PC with PSN Requirement

The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, mirroring Sony's approach with previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, has drawn criticism. While bringing the acclaimed sequel to PC is a welcome move, the PSN mandate dampens enthusiasm for some.

The Steam page explicitly states the PSN account necessity, allowing players to link existing accounts to their Steam profiles. This easily overlooked detail reignites past frustrations regarding similar requirements for PlayStation games on PC. The significant backlash against this practice in the past, notably leading to Sony's removal of the PSN requirement from Helldivers 2, highlights the potential for negative player reaction.

Sony's reasoning for this requirement remains unclear. While PSN profiles are justifiable for games with multiplayer components or PlayStation overlays (like Ghost of Tsushima), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The need for a PSN account likely aims to expand Sony's user base and promote its services, a commercially driven decision that contradicts past negative player feedback.

Although a basic PSN account is free, the extra step of creating or linking an account adds inconvenience. Furthermore, the PSN's unavailability in certain regions creates accessibility issues, potentially barring some fans from playing the PC port. This restriction clashes with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of the player base.