Sony Revisits Its Approach: Controversial PSN Myths for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and PC Games Discarded

Sony is removing its previously significant PlayStation Network account requirements for its mainly single-player games on PC, but it is now introducing in-game content “rewards” to encourage continued usage of PSN.

Sony faced considerable criticism last May when it declared that PSN accounts would be retrospectively necessary for Helldivers 2 on PC – and while it eventually backtracked, it has not stopped requiring PSN accounts for an increasing number of its PC adaptations since then. This decision has stirred controversy among PC gamers, particularly considering its initial rationale for PSN accounts on PC – to ensure the “safety and security” of online play – seems less convincing when many of the titles involved are single-player experiences.

Nevertheless, Sony has announced a reversal, confirming that it will be lifting mandatory PSN account requirements for several of its existing and forthcoming PC titles: God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (set to release this week), and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered (scheduled for April).

In these four instances, PlayStation Network accounts will become “optional,” yet Sony is still invested enough in player engagement that it announced a new in-game content release initiative coming “soon” for the aforementioned titles on PC.

For example, players who log into a PlayStation Network account for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will unlock the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit ahead of others. PSN accounts will also provide access to the Nora Brave outfit in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.

In God of War Ragnarok, having a PSN account allows players to unlock Kratos’ Armor of the Black Bear set at the first Lost Gadgets chest within the Realm Between Realms instead of having to wait until New Game Plus. Additionally, there’s a resource package featuring 500 Hacksilver and 250 XP.

Regarding The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, a PSN account unlocks an Ellie skin inspired by Jordan’s jacket in Naughty Dog’s forthcoming Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with 50 bonus points for unlocking extras and rewards.