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, comes with a controversial caveat: a PlayStation Network (PSN) account is mandatory. This requirement, already a point of contention with previous Sony PC ports, is sparking renewed debate among prospective players.

While the arrival of this acclaimed sequel on Steam is welcome news for PC gamers, the PSN account necessity is proving a significant stumbling block. The original The Last of Us Part I, released on PC in 2022, also shared this requirement, and the practice continues with this highly anticipated remaster. The Steam page clearly states the need for a PSN account, either a new one or a linked existing account.

This isn't the first time Sony's strategy has faced backlash. The strong negative reaction to a similar requirement for Helldivers 2 last year even prompted Sony to reverse course and remove it before launch.

Sony's Strategy: Expanding PSN Reach?

The rationale behind mandating a PSN account remains unclear for a single-player title like The Last of Us Part II. While other Sony PC ports, such as Ghost of Tsushima, justify the requirement due to multiplayer features or PlayStation overlay access, this isn't the case here. The move suggests a broader strategy to encourage PC gamers to engage with Sony's ecosystem, a commercially sound decision, but one that risks alienating a portion of its potential audience.

The inconvenience of setting up or linking a PSN account is a minor hurdle for some, but the lack of PSN availability in certain regions presents a more significant barrier, potentially excluding a number of players. This accessibility limitation clashes with the Last of Us series' reputation for inclusivity, potentially generating further negative feedback. In short, while the game's PC debut is exciting, the PSN requirement casts a shadow over the otherwise positive announcement.