Sony makes PlayStation Network account optional on PC releases

Instead, you're incentivised to login with an account.

Sony will remove a mandatory PlayStation Network account requirement from its upcoming PC releases, instead incentivising players to do so with extra in-game goodies.

The publisher today confirmed that the likes of Spider-Man 2 — which releases tomorrow — and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered will no longer force players to login with a PlayStation Network account on PC. Previously released titles including God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will “soon” fall in line with this new strategy.

“An account for PlayStation Network will become optional for these titles on PC,” Sony wrote on the PlayStation Blog. “Players who still opt to sign into a PlayStation Network account will also enjoy added benefits like trophies and friend management.”

Incentives for using a PlayStation Network are as follows, per game:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit
• God of War Ragnarok: Gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP)
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered: +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie 
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Gain access to Nora Valiant outfit

In May of last year, players revolted against Sony over a post-release requirement of a PlayStation Network account for Helldivers 2 on PC alongside the removal of the game from over 170 countries that didn’t support the PlayStation Network. The backlash was so bad that Steam began issuing refunds to players who requested them.

Spider-Man 2 heads to PC tomorrow, 31 January, while The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is expected on 4 April.