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 move met with past backlash.
While Sony's decision to bring the acclaimed sequel to PC is welcome news, the PSN requirement dampens enthusiasm for some. The Steam page clearly states the need for a PSN account, a detail easily overlooked but potentially problematic. Previous instances of this requirement, notably with Helldivers 2, resulted in such strong negative feedback that Sony reversed course.
The rationale behind the PSN requirement is unclear for a single-player game like The Last of Us Part II. While other PC ports, such as Ghost of Tsushima, justify the requirement for multiplayer or PlayStation overlay features, this is not the case here. The likely motive is to encourage the adoption of Sony's services, a business strategy that, given past negative reactions, seems risky.
While a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking is inconvenient. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions could prevent some players from accessing the game. This accessibility restriction contrasts sharply with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for inclusivity, potentially alienating a segment of its fanbase.
