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 bringing the acclaimed sequel to PC is a positive step, the PSN mandate is a significant drawback for many.
The Steam page explicitly states the PSN account necessity, allowing players to link existing accounts. This detail, easily overlooked, is a contentious point, echoing past negative reactions to similar requirements. Last year's backlash against a PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 even led Sony to reverse course before its implementation.
Sony's rationale for requiring PSN accounts is understandable from a business perspective – potentially encouraging PSN adoption among PC gamers. However, this strategy is questionable, given the past negative feedback. While a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking presents an inconvenience. Further, the PSN's unavailability in certain regions creates a barrier to access for some players, contradicting the accessibility often associated with the Last of Us franchise. The requirement's application to a single-player game like The Last of Us Part II, unlike games with multiplayer components, amplifies the frustration.