The Last of Us Part II PC Port Requires PSN Account

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, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces players to create or link a PSN account to access the game, a decision that has previously drawn significant backlash.

While Sony's move to bring the acclaimed sequel to PC is welcomed, the PSN requirement is a potential deterrent. The official Steam page clearly states this necessity, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts. This seemingly minor detail has proven contentious, as evidenced by the strong negative reaction to similar requirements in past PC ports. In fact, Sony reversed course on a similar PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 last year due to player outcry.

Sony's rationale for this requirement is unclear, especially given the game's single-player nature. While PSN profiles are sometimes justified for multiplayer features or overlays (as seen in Ghost of Tsushima's PC port), such functionality isn't relevant to The Last of Us Part II. The requirement likely aims to encourage PSN adoption among PC gamers, a business-driven decision that ignores past negative player feedback.

While a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking adds inconvenience. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions could effectively block access for some players. This restriction clashes with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of its fanbase.