The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, a decision 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 positive step, the PSN mandate is a potential deterrent for many.
The Steam page explicitly states the PSN account necessity, allowing players to link existing accounts. This easily overlooked detail reignites past backlash against similar requirements. Sony's previous attempt to enforce this with Helldivers 2 resulted in such strong negative feedback that the requirement was dropped.
Sony's Strategy: Expanding PSN Reach
While PSN account requirements are justifiable for games with multiplayer components (like Ghost of Tsushima), their presence in a single-player title like The Last of Us Part II is perplexing. This likely reflects Sony's broader strategy to expand PSN user base, a business-driven decision that clashes with past player reactions.
Although a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking presents an inconvenience. Furthermore, PSN's global availability is limited, potentially excluding some players from accessing the PC port. This restriction contradicts the series' reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of its fanbase.
