In a significant turnaround, Sony’s gaming publishing division has reversed its contentious policy mandating that PC players log in with PlayStation accounts for certain titles. This shift was revealed in a recent blog post from the company.
Going forward, having a PlayStation account will no longer be a requirement for blockbuster games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Despite this new flexibility, Sony remains optimistic that players will still opt to sign in, as they have linked various perks and features to the PlayStation account experience.
For those who do decide to log in, accessing trophies—Sony’s version of achievements—will be contingent on having a PlayStation account. Although it’s worth noting that Steam achievements will be accessible regardless of account status. Additionally, signing in will enhance friend management capabilities, especially for players with existing social connections on the PlayStation Network.
Moreover, Sony has included a selection of minor in-game rewards for users who log in with their PlayStation account. For instance, players of Spider-Man 2 will receive early access to special outfits, such as the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit. Similarly, Horizon Zero Dawn players can look forward to unlocking the Nora Valiant outfit.
It’s important to mention that some of these rewards can also be obtained through different mechanisms within the games. For example, players can acquire the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos in God of War Ragnarök through in-game achievements.
