An Unexpected Pause in Sales for Ghosts of Tsushima: DIRECTOR’S CUT on Steam
In an unforeseen turn of events, the PC version of Ghosts of Tsushima: DIRECTOR’S CUT, which is lauded as the ultimate edition of the acclaimed 2020 action-adventure title from Sucker Punch Productions, has seen its sales abruptly suspended across Steam in an excess of 170 territories worldwide.
This development trails the controversy that surrounded Helldivers 2, another Sony-published title, which suffered a barrage of negative reviews—often referred to as “review bombing”—after Sony reintroduced the requirement for a PlayStation Network (PSN) account link, even in regions where the PSN service does not exist.
Despite Sony’s quick retraction of this requirement, the damage was done: Helldivers 2 was pulled from the Steam store in the same regions now affected by the Ghosts of Tsushima sales halt. Adding to the intrigue, this news surfaces soon after Sucker Punch confirmed that PSN account linking would be compulsory solely for the Legends co-op multiplayer mode, just days before the game’s slated May 16th Steam debut.
As things stand, the rationale behind the cessation of sales remains shrouded in mystery. Neither Sony nor Valve, the parent company and operator of Steam, have come forward with an explanation for this action.
A Tangle of Requirements and Restrictions
Complicating matters is the mixed messaging regarding PSN account requirements. Sucker Punch had clarified that for single-player gameplay, a PSN account would not be necessary, a statement that now seems at odds with the recent delisting.
Moreover, the necessity for a PSN account in the multiplayer Legends mode was prominently disclosed on the game’s Steam page. Yet, the third-party seller, Green Man Gaming, has begun to cancel preorders from affected regions, hinting at a potential reluctance to sell a product that might not provide full access to its features.
It’s conceivable that Valve may have initiated the delisting, perhaps due to the complexities surrounding the game’s PSN linkage for multiplayer. However, this would be an unexpected move, considering Valve’s awareness of the PSN requirement.
Clarity and Resolution Awaited
The gaming community is left to ponder the reasons behind this perplexing situation. Many are eager for a resolution, not just for the sake of enjoying the game, but also to understand the implications for digital sales and region-specific requirements.
For those in the 69 countries where PSN services are accessible, Ghosts of Tsushima: DIRECTOR’S CUT remains available for pre-purchase on Steam, priced at .99. The PC release promises an unlocked frame rate, broad ultrawide monitor support, and the integration of performance-enhancing technologies including DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3, and XeSS. Additionally, this edition boasts Japanese lip syncing and compatibility with PS5 DualSense controller features.
Gamers across the globe are hopeful for a swift and amicable solution between Sony and Valve, which would allow the restored availability of Ghosts of Tsushima: DIRECTOR’S CUT on Steam, and prevent future disruptions in the digital distribution of games.
