Lost Soul Aside's PC Release to Skip Controversial PSN Linking
Lost Soul Aside, the highly anticipated Sony-published action RPG, will reportedly launch on PC in 2025 without the controversial PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement. This significant change expands the game's potential market considerably.
Initially, the PSN linking mandate, implemented for some PlayStation PC titles in 2024, sparked considerable backlash. This is because over 100 countries lack PSN support, severely limiting sales and player access for games enforcing this requirement. Lost Soul Aside, however, appears to be exempt.
Developed by UltiZeroGames, Lost Soul Aside emerged from PlayStation's China Hero Project. The Devil May Cry-inspired title, boasting dynamic combat, has been in development for nearly nine years. While Sony funds and publishes the game across PS5 and PC platforms, the decision to forgo PSN linking on PC is a noteworthy departure from previous practice.
Following the December 2024 gameplay trailer reveal, the game's Steam page initially listed PSN linking as a requirement. However, SteamDB records show this was quickly removed the following day.
A Shift in PlayStation's PC Strategy?
This marks only the second instance of Sony reversing the PSN linking requirement for a PC game, the first being Helldivers 2. This suggests a potential softening of Sony's stance on the matter. The reasons remain unclear, but the desire to maximize player reach is a likely factor. Previous PlayStation PC releases saw diminished player numbers following the implementation of PSN linking, with God of War Ragnarök significantly underperforming its predecessor on Steam. By removing this barrier, Lost Soul Aside aims for broader appeal and increased sales.
