The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3, 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 decision met with past backlash, even leading Sony to reverse the requirement for Helldivers 2.
While the PSN requirement is understandable from a business perspective—potentially encouraging PSN adoption—it's a contentious issue for several reasons. The Last of Us Part II is a single-player game; unlike titles with multiplayer components like Ghost of Tsushima, a PSN account isn't strictly necessary for core gameplay. The requirement adds an extra step for players eager to begin their experience, potentially deterring some. Furthermore, the PSN's global availability isn't universal, thus excluding players from certain regions. This accessibility limitation clashes with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for inclusivity. The Steam page for the game clearly states this requirement, though it's easily overlooked. The ongoing implementation of this policy, despite previous negative feedback, demonstrates Sony's continued push for PSN user growth, even at the potential cost of alienating some PC gamers.
