"The Last of Us Part 2 PC Port Needs PSN Account"

Summary

• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on PC will require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, causing frustration among some potential players.
• The game is set to be released on April 3, 2025.

When The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered makes its way to PC on April 3, 2025, players will need to connect or create a PSN account to enjoy the game. This move by Sony has sparked controversy, especially since the company has been porting its exclusive titles to PC, making them accessible on platforms like Steam. However, the requirement to have a PSN account has not been well-received by all, as it adds an extra step that some gamers find unnecessary.

Following the successful PC launch of The Last of Us Part 1 in 2022, Sony is bringing the critically acclaimed sequel to a broader audience. Originally exclusive to PlayStation and requiring a PS5 for the remastered version, The Last of Us Part 2 is now expanding to PC. Yet, the excitement surrounding this release might be overshadowed by the PSN account mandate.

The official Steam page for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered clearly states that a PSN account is necessary for gameplay and provides instructions for linking an existing PSN account to a Steam profile. This detail, while easy to overlook, has been a point of contention for fans, similar to the backlash Sony faced with other PC ports. The reaction was so strong for Helldivers 2 last year that Sony reversed its decision to implement a PSN requirement before it even went into effect.

Sony's Strategy to Increase PSN Account Creation

Sony's insistence on PSN accounts for PC ports like The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is part of a broader strategy to encourage more gamers to use its services. While this makes sense for games with multiplayer components or those that benefit from PlayStation's overlay, such as Ghost of Tsushima, it's a curious choice for a single-player experience like The Last of Us. The requirement seems aimed at enticing players who don't own a PlayStation to engage with Sony's ecosystem, a move that's understandable from a business standpoint but risky given past user reactions.

Creating a PSN account is free, but the process of setting up or linking an account can be a hassle for gamers eager to jump into the game. Additionally, the PSN service isn't available in every country, which could render the PC version inaccessible to some fans. This restriction is particularly notable for a series like The Last of Us, which is celebrated for its commitment to gaming accessibility.