The Last of Us Part II PC Port to Demand PSN Link

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, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces users to create or link a PSN account to play, a move met with past backlash.

While Sony's expansion onto PC with titles like The Last of Us Part II Remastered is welcomed, the PSN account mandate is a contentious point. The Steam page clearly states this requirement, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts. This isn't a new issue; the negative reaction to similar requirements in past releases, notably Helldivers 2, led Sony to reverse course.

While a PSN account is necessary for multiplayer features in some PC ports (like Ghost of Tsushima), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The requirement seems primarily aimed at encouraging PSN adoption among PC gamers, a business strategy that risks alienating players.

Creating a free PSN account is simple, but the added step is inconvenient. Furthermore, PSN's global availability is limited, potentially excluding some players. This restriction clashes with the series' reputation for accessibility, potentially causing further friction with the fanbase. The decision highlights Sony's ongoing efforts to integrate PC players into its ecosystem, even if it means potentially sacrificing some goodwill.