Sony Shifts Strategy: PSN Accounts Optional for Steam Titles Like Spider-Man 2
Sony has announced that a PlayStation Network account will be optional for accessing its games on Steam, including the new releases Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part 2. This comes after previous attempts to enforce mandatory accounts faced backlash.
Sony’s recent approach of incentivizing players has shifted dramatically. After trying to enforce mandatory PlayStation Network accounts for its games on Steam, the company has now announced that these accounts will be optional.
This decision, revealed on the PlayStation Blog ahead of the launch of Spider-Man 2, indicates a change in strategy. Previously, games like The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered required a PSN account for access, but players can now choose not to create one.
Incentives for creating a PSN account include exclusive in-game unlocks, such as:
- Spider-Man 2: Early unlock suits for players.
- God of War Ragnarok: Access to exclusive armor sets.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Bonus features and skins for characters.
- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Special outfits for players.
This change marks a significant turnaround from last year when Sony mandated PSN accounts for Helldivers 2, an approach that faced fierce criticism from the gaming community. Notably, ownership of the Ghost of Tsushima PC version was also complicated by the account requirement.
Sony’s decision shows a recognition that enforcing mandatory accounts on PC gamers can backfire, potentially harming relationships with the player base.
