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 the Steam page clearly states the PSN account necessity and allows linking existing accounts, the mandate remains contentious.
Sony's strategy, while potentially beneficial for expanding PSN user base, clashes with past negative user reactions. The removal of the PSN requirement from Helldivers 2 last year, following significant backlash, highlights the risk of this approach.
While a PSN account is free and linking is relatively straightforward, the inconvenience of creating a second profile, coupled with PSN's regional limitations, could alienate some players. This restriction is particularly noteworthy given the Last of Us franchise's focus on accessibility. The requirement's justification is unclear, especially considering the game's single-player nature; unlike titles with multiplayer components, network features aren't inherently necessary. The decision, therefore, appears primarily driven by Sony's broader strategy to attract new PSN users.
