Sony's recent policy changes regarding PC gaming have sparked significant debate among gamers. The company's insistence on requiring a PlayStation Network (PSN) account even for single-player games has been a point of contention, especially since the service isn't available in all regions, leading to restrictions on the sale of modern releases.

In response to the backlash, Sony has announced some modifications to their policy. While they have not completely abandoned the idea of tethering to PSN on PC, they are introducing certain relaxations. Specifically, the following games will not require mandatory PSN tethering:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• God of War Ragnarok
• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

For those who choose to link their PSN account, Sony is offering incentives:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Early access to the "2099" line of costumes for both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
• God of War Ragnarok: Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set from the first "Lost Things" chest at the beginning of the game, along with a set of resources.
• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: Bonus points to unlock various features.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: The Nora Valiant costume.

In November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki addressed investor concerns about the PSN requirement. He acknowledged the opposition but emphasized that the connection is crucial for maintaining security and order. Totoki's comments focused on service-based games, yet he did not clarify how single-player titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök benefit from mandatory PSN accounts in terms of security.

As gaming evolves, so too must the policies that govern it. Sony's adjustments reflect an attempt to balance user demands with their operational needs, though the debate over PSN tethering continues.