Sony-Published Game Will No Longer Require PSN on PC

Sony has made a notable move with the upcoming PC version of Lost Soul Aside by eliminating the need for players to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts, which had been a topic of contention among gamers. This shift means that when the game launches in 2025, it can be sold in countries where PSN isn’t available, potentially increasing its reach and sales. Such a change suggests that Sony might be embracing a more open strategy for its PC game offerings in the future.

For fans eagerly awaiting Lost Soul Aside, this is significant news. The game is one of the standout projects from PlayStation’s China Hero Project, which aims to nurture indie game development in China. Lost Soul Aside has been in the works for nearly a decade at the Shanghai-based UltiZeroGames studio and promises dynamic hack-and-slash action reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry. Although PlayStation games on PC typically required PSN account linking since last year, causing dissatisfaction among PC players, this requirement has now been axed for Lost Soul Aside.

The implication of dropping this mandate is substantial. Many countries lack PSN support, thus barring the sale of such games, leading to limited player engagement and decreased sales. It seems Lost Soul Aside will defy this by not requiring a PSN account on PC. Following the release of its recent gameplay trailer in December 2024, the game’s Steam page initially indicated a PSN requirement, but this was quickly retracted as per the update history on SteamDB.

This change is a boon for PC gamers in regions without PSN support, potentially marking a new era for PlayStation titles on PC. Previously, Helldivers 2 faced similar backlash over the PSN linking mandate, but Lost Soul Aside’s shift could signify that Sony is reconsidering its stance on such requirements.

While the reasons for lifting the PSN mandate for Lost Soul Aside remain unclear, it’s possible that Sony aims to maximize the game’s audience. Previous PlayStation-to-PC titles like God of War Ragnarok saw a dip in player numbers post-mandate, indicating that removing such barriers could lead to better performance and player engagement.

Lost Soul Aside, expected to launch in 2025, will invite players on a gripping quest to save humanity while offering thrilling combat experiences. The game is crafted by UltiZeroGames and published by PlayStation Studios, operating on Unreal Engine 4, and promises a riveting single-player adventure that fans of action RPGs are sure to anticipate eagerly.