Recent developments in Sony’s approach to its PlayStation first-party games on PC suggest a significant shift in strategy. Initially, the requirement for a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to access these titles limited availability for gamers in over 100 countries, creating frustration among the PC gaming community.
Looks like Sony is removing regional restrictions on its first-party PC games
According to insights shared by Wario64 on BlueSky, it appears that Sony is beginning to lift these regional restrictions for its PC games available on Steam. Titles such as God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2 are among those affected by this policy change.
The recent release of Days Gone Remastered earlier this year, which did not impose regional restrictions, hints at a broader shift in Sony’s gaming policy. This latest move indicates that the company is keen on expanding access to its games, potentially opening the door for gamers in more than 100 additional countries.
The PSN requirement has proven to be more of a hindrance than a benefit for Sony. A notable incident occurred with the launch of Helldivers 2, where the backlash against the PSN requirement led to significant controversy, culminating in the dismissal of the game’s community manager after they suggested players engage in a review bombing campaign.
Another recent example involves the Sony-published title Stellar Blade. Initially unavailable in 132 countries, which typically indicated the presence of the PSN requirement, the developer later clarified that the service was not necessary to play the game. Following discussions with Sony, the regional restrictions were subsequently lifted.
While the confirmation of this policy reversal seems imminent, Sony has yet to issue an official statement regarding the removal of the controversial PSN requirement. This evolving situation may signal a new era for Sony’s engagement with the PC gaming audience, fostering a more inclusive environment for players worldwide.
