Note when buying Sony games on PC

Due to Sony's controversial request, not all players can enjoy the multiplayer mode.

Sony has recently released some of its exclusive titles for PC platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This is good news for players who don't have a PlayStation console but still want to play Sony games like Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Zero Dawn.

Sony requires a PSN account for some PC titles

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Some Sony games available for PC require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, especially for online multiplayer features. A PSN account is a free online identity to access Sony's PlayStation ecosystem, including PlayStation consoles and the PlayStation Store. It allows you to connect with friends, download games and DLC, and track your gaming progress.

Traditionally, PSN accounts are linked to Sony's PlayStation console. However, with the recent porting of certain PlayStation titles to PC, Sony has also introduced a PSN account requirement for online multiplayer play in certain PC games.

Sony's website lists a full catalog of PC games. Titles include the hugely successful Helldivers 2, iconic series like The Last of Us Part I, and family-friendly games like Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Notably, not all of Sony's titles are currently available on PC platforms, but the company plans to port others, like God of War Ragnarök, in the near future.

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Why is the PlayStation Network account causing problems?

Sony's requirement for a PSN account caused some controversy, as PC gamers were not used to needing a console-specific account to play PC games online. However, the main problem with the PSN account requirement arises in areas where PSN is not available.

Currently, PSN support is limited to about 70 countries, leaving out a significant portion of the world, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and various islands. This means that gamers in these regions who purchase Sony PC titles that feature online multiplayer may be completely locked out of that functionality due to their geographic location.

It's important to check if Sony offers PSN in your country before purchasing a Sony PC title, as some titles require an account to play multiplayer game modes. This issue came into focus after Sony removed the mandatory PSN link requirement from Helldivers 2 due to community backlash.

How to check if a Sony game requires a PlayStation Network account

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If you're wondering whether a PlayStation game requires a PSN account, you can check the requirements on Sony's website. For example, if you click on Ghost of Tsushima, a small text explains that you must have a PSN account to play online multiplayer.

The Steam page for Ghost of Tsushima also notes a PSN requirement for online play.

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