Sony Forces PSN Requirement for Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster on PC

In a move that’s igniting heated discussions across the gaming community, Sony has officially delisted the original Horizon Zero Dawn from Steam and the Epic Games Store, making way for its upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. This decision didn’t just remove the older version of the beloved game, it also introduced a new caveat: the remastered version will require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play — a major change that’s not sitting well with PC gamers.

A Look at the Controversy

Sony’s choice to include a PSN requirement in a game that was initially DRM-free on platforms like Steam and GOG (Good Old Games) has left players baffled. When the game originally launched on PC, it was celebrated for its freedom from any restrictive online connections. Now, with the remaster rolling out on October 31, this freedom is being revoked. This has prompted a series of negative reviews and general unrest, as many see the move as an unnecessary step backwards.

But this isn’t the first time Sony has faced backlash over its PC policies. Earlier this year, the company also faced criticism with the release of Helldivers 2, which introduced a similar PSN requirement, resulting in widespread discontent and even a review bombing campaign on Steam.

What’s the Deal with the PSN Requirement?

With the remaster, Sony has made the PSN account mandatory even for single-player games. This means that if your region doesn’t support PSN, or if you simply prefer not to link your PlayStation account, you’re out of luck — you won’t be able to play Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered at all. This update directly impacts the availability of the game in over 100 countries, putting a significant chunk of the global player base in a tricky situation.

Adding salt to the wound, the original Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition was completely delisted — previously accessible in all Steam-supported regions without any need for a PSN account. In contrast, the remaster has not only introduced the account requirement but is also not available for pre-purchase in those unsupported regions, leaving players with no option to play the game they once had access to.

Why the Change?

One of Sony’s justifications for introducing the PSN account requirement is that it provides a streamlined experience across their platforms. This means unified achievements, cloud saves, and more integrated social features. However, many gamers argue that such benefits don’t outweigh the drawbacks, especially when it comes to purely single-player experiences like Horizon Zero Dawn.

The shift in policy has been framed as an attempt by Sony to align all its games, whether on console or PC, under one cohesive ecosystem. However, critics argue that this approach completely ignores the needs of the PC gaming community, who are accustomed to less restrictive DRM and fewer hoops to jump through just to play their favourite titles.

Impact on PC Sales and Reception

With the PSN account requirement in place, we’re already seeing a slew of negative feedback on platforms like Steam. Users who enjoyed the original game are venting their frustrations at being forced into a PlayStation ecosystem that they didn’t sign up for. Some have even gone as far as review bombing the Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition on Steam, expressing discontent over Sony’s decision to remove the original game and replace it with a more restricted version.

The situation mirrors what happened with Helldivers 2 earlier this year. Initially, players were resistant to the PSN requirement, and the game suffered a temporary dip in sales and review scores. Although Sony reversed course for that title, it’s unlikely the company will do the same for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, given its commitment to a unified PlayStation experience.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Sony’s PC Strategy

Sony’s moves to enforce PSN account requirements are being closely watched. As the company continues to release more of its first-party titles on PC, there’s growing concern that this might become a standard practice for all future releases. While this aligns with their push to strengthen the PlayStation ecosystem, it alienates a portion of the PC gaming community who value flexibility and control over how they play their games.

For now, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is set to go live on Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 31, and the debate over Sony’s policies is only expected to intensify as the release date draws near.