Despite receiving lukewarm reception from Helldivers 2 fans, the forthcoming hero shooter Harmony poses a significant concern for PC players, as it demands the attachment of a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to access the game.
In May, Sony’s decision sparked controversy by requiring PC players of Helldivers 2 to link their game to a PSN account. The initial rollout of the announcement proved underwhelming, prompting Sony to re-release it just days later in an effort to salvage momentum. That uproar was largely due to the requirement being introduced months after the game’s launch, and even though it was always intended to be there (it was a requirement at launch but quickly removed due to server issues), implementing it when so many players had already invested significant time in the game felt like a betrayal. Although PlayStation didn’t seem to draw inspiration from Harmony, Firewalk Studios’ forthcoming hero shooter appears to share a similar prerequisite.
According to Eurogamer, Firewalk’s director of IP Kim Kreines explained why PC gamers need a PSN account: “That allows us to have cross-play, which is essential.” Lead character designer Jon Weisnewski added that the goal is “for gamers to play together.” To enable seamless coexistence between PC gamers and PlayStation 5 players, a crucial layer of technical infrastructure must be in place, supporting cross-platform play and progression seamlessly. Our goal is to bring gamers together, fostering an atmosphere where they can have fun and engage in collaborative gameplay, which is a vital aspect of our community.
While Bungie’s ownership by PlayStation raises questions about future compatibility, the presence of cross-play and shared development between platforms implies Harmony could potentially enable seamless gameplay without necessitating a PSN account, thereby facilitating multi-platform play. On the Destiny 2 entrance, attaching platform accounts to Bungie accounts is required, ensuring seamless access. Harmony opted against creating a separate account system, leveraging existing PlayStation Network credentials for ease and convenience. Sony should likely elaborate on its motivations for encouraging more people to obtain PSN accounts, providing greater transparency into its strategic objectives.
While Harmony’s requirements are uncertain at launch, it seems unlikely that they’ll spark widespread outrage. Nonetheless, PlayStation Now (PSN) on PC has arrived to stay.
