Streamline Your Gaming Experience: PSN Account Required for Latest Remastered Masterpiece, The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: Will PSN Requirement Cause Ripples?
Sony’s stance on PSN account requirements is once again generating controversy. Recently, the platform holder confirmed that The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, set to launch on PC in April, will indeed necessitate a PlayStation Network (PSN) login. This isn’t the first time Sony has implemented this policy, but given the backlash against similar decisions, it’s only natural to ask: what impact will this requirement have on fans?
From Helldivers 2 to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
In 2022, Sony faced massive criticism when it announced that PSN accounts would be mandatory for Helldivers 2, a PC-exclusive title. Unfortunately, this policy meant that fans in 117 countries where PSN is not available would be unable to purchase and play the game. Ultimately, Sony did reverse its stance, but other PC ports like Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Zero Dawn, and God of War Ragnarök have since joined the list of single-player PlayStation titles requiring PSN log-ins.
Where Does This Leave The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered?
Scheduled to launch on April 3rd, this highly anticipated remake will be accessible on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. As Digital Foundry notes, the remastered version boasts a range of technical improvements, from increased texture resolution to enhanced shadow quality. It’s a feature-packed update for fans of this critically acclaimed franchise. However, for those who don’t possess a PSN account or don’t have access to the PSN network due to geographical constraints, this limitation may be seen as a substantial drawback.
What’s Behind Sony’s Shift?
Though Sony hasn’t explicitly stated why it’s persisted with this approach, some fans speculate that its primary concern remains the "safety and security" of online play. Considering the game has online leaderboards in its roguelike No Return mode, some might argue this requirement is linked to maintaining data integrity. Ultimately, only the platform holder itself can provide an official explanation, but one thing is certain – this decision may have far-reaching implications for its PC gaming prospects.
Implications for Spider-Man 2 and Beyond?
Sony confirmed earlier this year that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, set to release in April, would also require a PSN login. Given that The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is following the same path, it’s a fair assumption to make that we’ll see further PSN restrictions for other PS5 exclusives on PC.
Conclusion: A Requirement Without a Clear Winner
The news of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s PSN requirement underscores the ongoing conundrum in the gaming community. While a PSN account may not affect most players’ experience, there are those in regions where the service is inaccessible who will have to forgo playing this cherished title. Ultimately, only Sony can decide on the future path of its gaming strategy, leaving fans to keep a close eye on developments regarding PSN policies and their global implications.
