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, mirroring Sony's approach with previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, has drawn criticism. While bringing the acclaimed sequel to PC is a positive step, the PSN mandate is a significant drawback for many.
The Steam page clearly states the PSN account necessity, allowing players to link existing accounts. This detail, easily overlooked, has reignited past frustrations. The backlash against similar requirements in previous releases, notably Helldivers 2 (where Sony ultimately relented), highlights player discontent.
Sony's rationale for the PSN requirement remains unclear. Unlike games with multiplayer components, The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The need for a PSN account, therefore, seems primarily aimed at expanding Sony's user base, a business strategy that clashes with past negative user feedback.
While a basic PSN account is free, the added step of account creation or linking presents an inconvenience. Furthermore, PSN's global availability is limited, potentially excluding some players. This restriction contrasts sharply with the series' reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of the player base.
