The Last of Us Part 2 PC Port Will Require PSN Account

The Last of Us Part II PC Release: PSN Account Requirement Stirs Controversy

The upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on April 3, 2025, includes a controversial requirement: a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This decision, mirroring Sony's approach with previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, has already sparked debate among potential players.

While bringing the acclaimed sequel to PC is a welcome move for many, the mandatory PSN account is a point of contention. The original The Last of Us Part I, released on PC in 2022, also shared this requirement, leading to similar frustrations. The Steam page for The Last of Us Part II Remastered clearly states the need for a PSN account, allowing players to link existing accounts or create new ones.

Why the PSN Requirement? A Business Strategy?

While PSN accounts are justifiable for games with multiplayer components (like Ghost of Tsushima's PC port, which requires a PSN profile for online features), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The lack of online functionality makes the requirement seem arbitrary to some. It's speculated that Sony aims to encourage broader adoption of its services, a strategy that, while understandable from a business perspective, has faced significant backlash in the past. The negative reaction to a similar requirement in Helldivers 2 led Sony to ultimately remove it.

Accessibility Concerns

Beyond the inconvenience of creating or linking a PSN account, the requirement poses accessibility challenges. The PlayStation Network isn't available globally, potentially excluding some fans from playing the PC port. This restriction is particularly noteworthy considering The Last of Us franchise's focus on accessibility in gaming.

In short, while the PC port of The Last of Us Part II Remastered is highly anticipated, the mandatory PSN account is a significant hurdle for some players, raising questions about Sony's strategy and its impact on accessibility.