Sony's New PC Game No Longer Requires PSN Account

The upcoming PC release of *Lost Soul Aside* appears to have quietly dropped the PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement, marking a notable shift in Sony’s approach to its PC titles ahead of the game’s 2025 launch. This change means players will no longer need a PSN account to access the game on Steam, removing a major barrier for users in regions where PSN is not supported. By eliminating this restriction, Sony significantly expands the game’s potential market, enabling sales in over 100 countries previously excluded due to PSN incompatibility.

Developed by Shanghai-based UltiZeroGames and published by Sony under its China Hero Project initiative, *Lost Soul Aside* is a highly anticipated action RPG inspired by titles like *Devil May Cry*, emphasizing fast-paced, dynamic combat. After nearly nine years in development, the game is set for release on both PS5 and PC, with Sony fully backing its global distribution. However, this move breaks from Sony’s recent policy of requiring PSN account integration for all its PC releases—a mandate introduced in 2023 that sparked criticism among PC gamers.

A Strategic Shift in Sony’s PC Strategy?

The removal of the PSN requirement was first spotted shortly after the game’s latest gameplay trailer debuted in December 2024, coinciding with the launch of its official Steam page. While initial listings mentioned the need for a PSN account, SteamDB records confirm that this requirement was removed just one day later. This makes *Lost Soul Aside* the second Sony-published PC title to abandon mandatory PSN linking, following the backlash seen during *Helldivers 2*'s launch.

Previously, the strict enforcement of PSN account linking limited the reach of Sony’s PC ports. For example, *God of War Ragnarök* saw less than half the peak player count on Steam compared to its predecessor, potentially due to the added login barrier and regional restrictions. With *Lost Soul Aside*, Sony may be signaling a more flexible strategy—one focused on maximizing accessibility, player engagement, and ultimately, commercial performance.

What This Means for PlayStation’s Future on PC

While Sony has not officially commented on the change, industry observers speculate that the decision is driven by a desire to broaden the game’s global appeal. Removing the PSN gatekeeping allows *Lost Soul Aside* to tap into emerging markets and regions with strong PC gaming cultures but limited PSN support. It also aligns with growing player expectations for frictionless, account-light experiences on PC.

This shift could hint at a more nuanced approach from PlayStation in the future—where account requirements are evaluated on a per-title basis rather than enforced universally. For players, it means greater freedom and inclusivity. For Sony, it may translate into stronger sales, wider adoption, and improved goodwill within the PC gaming community.