The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, sparks controversy due to its PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement. This mandate, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, necessitates players to create or link an existing PSN account to play, a move criticized by many.
While the Steam page clearly states this requirement, allowing for existing PSN account linking, the reaction mirrors past backlash. Sony previously reversed a similar PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 following significant player pushback.
The need for a PSN account is questionable for a single-player game like The Last of Us Part II. Unlike games with multiplayer components, such as Ghost of Tsushima, where a PSN profile is necessary for online features, this requirement seems primarily aimed at expanding Sony's user base.
Although creating a basic PSN account is free, the added step is inconvenient. Furthermore, PSN's global availability isn't universal, potentially excluding some players. This restriction clashes with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of its potential PC audience. The decision, while strategically sound for Sony, risks jeopardizing the game's reception among PC gamers.
