Despite widespread criticism, Sony reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a PlayStation Network (PSN) requirement on PCs, with no indication of a near-term abandonment.
In February, Sony faced backlash after announcing that Helldivers 2 players would need to link their game to a PSN account, despite the title having been available on the platform for several months at the time. Sony swiftly retracted their initial statement regarding the requirement for an always-online connection, a decision driven by the success of subsequent titles like the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster, which proved that single-player experiences can thrive without such constraints. Sony’s insistence on requiring PC gamers to use their proprietary hardware and software for certain games has resulted in mixed reviews on Steam for many of its flagship titles. Despite this, the company remains committed to its policy, with President Hiroki Totoki recently emphasizing the reasons behind it during a shareholder meeting.
Totoki has acknowledged a significant amount of progress. “To effectively address PC-related issues, such as those surrounding PlayStation accounts that we’ve recently made available, it’s common to encounter resistance or pushback.” To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for players of dwell service video games, it is crucial to establish an environment conducive to responsible gaming, thereby allowing individuals to engage in the activity safely and without restriction.
While having certain limitations in place, we respectfully request that customers and players maintain consistency with our established style, as this stability is crucial for overall harmony. Accordingly, we must adopt a strategy to achieve this goal. While some gamers may find this limitation frustrating, it is crucial to acknowledge that many individuals residing in countries where PSN accounts are inaccessible still have access to Steam.
While others may choose not to engage with the platform, I’m confident that Sony remains open to serving those who do. I believe that it may potentially allow for.
