Sony's upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part 2 has sparked controversy among gamers, as it will require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play, despite being a single-player game. This requirement, spotted by Video Games Chronicle, has raised questions about the necessity of linking a PSN account to play the game on PC platforms like Steam and Epic Games.

This is not the first time Sony has implemented this requirement for its PC releases. Previous titles, including Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarök, and the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster, have also required PSN account linking. However, the move has proven unpopular among gamers, with some expressing frustration about the added hurdle to playing the game.

In a notable incident, players of Helldiver review-bombed the game after it suddenly introduced PSN account linking, leading Sony to reverse the decision. The move has sparked concerns that The Last of Us Part 2 may face a similar backlash, especially given the game's lack of multiplayer features.

The requirement also raises concerns about accessibility, as PSN is not supported in dozens of countries. This could prevent gamers in these regions from playing the game, even if they have purchased it through legitimate channels.

The Last of Us Part 2 remaster is set to launch on PC on April 3rd, priced at $49.99. While the game's PC release is highly anticipated, the PSN account requirement may deter some gamers from purchasing the title. It remains to be seen how Sony will address these concerns and whether the company will reconsider its decision.

As the gaming industry continues to shift towards cross-platform play and more open ecosystems, Sony's decision to require a PSN account for a single-player game on PC seems out of step with this trend. The move has sparked a wider conversation about the role of platform-specific accounts in the gaming industry and whether they are necessary for single-player experiences.

For now, gamers will have to wait and see how The Last of Us Part 2's PC release unfolds and whether Sony will respond to the backlash. One thing is certain, however: the gaming community will be watching closely, and the outcome could have significant implications for the industry as a whole.