'The Last of Us Part 2' PC Release Demands PSN Account for Gameplay

The Last of Us Part 2 PC Remaster: PSN Account Required, Stirs Controversy

The upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on April 3, 2025, includes a requirement that's already causing friction: a PlayStation Network (PSN) account is mandatory. This decision, mirroring Sony's approach with previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, is generating significant backlash from some potential players.

While the arrival of The Last of Us Part 2 on PC is exciting news for those who haven't experienced the award-winning sequel, the PSN account stipulation is a significant drawback. The Steam page clearly states this requirement, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts or create new ones. However, this detail, easily overlooked, is proving controversial, echoing similar negative reactions to the same requirement in past PC ports. In fact, last year, the strong negative response to a similar requirement for Helldivers 2 led Sony to reverse course before the update even launched.

Sony's Strategy: Expanding PSN Reach

The rationale behind requiring a PSN account is clearer in games with multiplayer components, such as Ghost of Tsushima, where it's needed for online play or the PlayStation overlay. The Last of Us Part 2, however, is a single-player experience. The need for a PSN account seems primarily aimed at encouraging wider adoption of Sony's services, a commercially understandable goal, but a risky one given past player reactions.

While creating a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking adds unnecessary friction for players eager to begin their gaming experience. Furthermore, the PSN's global availability isn't universal, potentially excluding some fans from playing the PC port altogether. This restriction feels particularly jarring given The Last of Us franchise's reputation for accessibility. The mandatory PSN requirement could alienate a portion of the PC gaming audience who appreciate the series precisely for its accessibility.