The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, will necessitate a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, already a point of contention with previous Sony PC ports, forces users to create or link a PSN account to play, even though the game is single-player.

While Sony's move to bring its acclaimed PlayStation exclusives to PC is welcomed, the PSN requirement is a significant drawback. The Steam page for The Last of Us Part II Remastered clearly states this need, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts. Past negative reactions to similar requirements, culminating in Sony's removal of the PSN mandate from Helldivers 2, suggest this decision may face backlash.

While PSN accounts are free, the added step of account creation or linking adds friction to the gaming experience. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions creates a barrier for some players, contradicting the accessibility often associated with the Last of Us franchise. The rationale behind this requirement, likely a strategy to expand Sony's user base, may be understandable from a business perspective, but it remains a risky move given previous player responses. The lack of multiplayer or cross-play features further fuels the debate surrounding the necessity of this PSN requirement.