In a recent development that has stirred discontent among PC gamers, Sony has mandated that players must sign into the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player titles such as God of War Ragnarök and the newly released Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. This requirement has raised eyebrows, particularly in regions where PSN is not accessible, effectively barring some gamers from enjoying these popular titles.
Concerns Over Accessibility
The decision has been met with significant criticism, especially considering that the PlayStation Network operates in fewer countries compared to its competitor, Valve’s Steam. As a result, the PSN sign-in requirement has inadvertently limited access to PlayStation games for a segment of the gaming community. In a recent investor call, Hiroki Totoki, Sony’s president, COO, and CFO, addressed the backlash, emphasizing that the intention behind this move is to enhance player safety.
Totoki acknowledged that the decision to enforce a PSN login could “invite pushback,” but he reiterated its necessity for maintaining a secure gaming environment. “We have learned a lot,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges associated with PC gaming and the importance of creating a safe space for all players. He noted, “Having some restrictions… to ask the users and gamers to follow the manner and [that] balance is very important. We have to continue to seek the best way to achieve this.”
Safety vs. Convenience
While the emphasis on safety is clear, the rationale for including this requirement in single-player games remains ambiguous. The imposition of PSN accounts has led to the delisting of certain titles, such as Ghost of Tsushima, in nearly 200 countries, further complicating the situation for gamers eager to access these experiences.
From a more pragmatic perspective, some industry analysts suggest that this requirement serves as a strategic move for Sony to inflate its monthly active user (MAU) metrics—an increasingly vital statistic in the gaming industry, rivaling sales figures in importance. Although linking a Steam account to a new PSN account is a straightforward, one-time process, the lack of offline modes for single-player games raises valid concerns about player autonomy and access.
