As Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut prepares for its highly-anticipated PC debut on May 16th, developer Sucker Punch has moved to assure players that they can experience the acclaimed single-player campaign without linking to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This clarification comes amid backlash surrounding the controversial new PSN login requirement for the recently released Helldivers 2 on PC.
In a response spotted on Twitter, Sucker Punch confirmed that “a PSN account is required for Legends online multiplayer mode and to use PlayStation overlay. It is not required to play the single-player game.”
This disclosure allows PC players to dive into Ghost’s richly-detailed open-world without dealing with the hassle of creating an additional account, unlike the situation with Helldivers 2 where even existing players were forced to link PSN profiles or face being locked out.
The Helldivers 2 controversy sparked frustration as the mandatory PSN linking applied globally, including in territories where creating such an account is legally prohibited. This prompted the developers to pull the game from sale in 177 countries until a resolution is found.
By avoiding this multiplayer integration for the single-player experience, Sucker Punch has prevented a similar predicament and potential backlash for their new PC port. Ghost of Tsushima’s multiplayer “Legends” co-op mode will require the PSN account, but the critically-acclaimed story campaign can be enjoyed freely.
This approach allows the game’s cinematic samurai tale and finely-tuned combat to take center stage for new audiences on the PC platform. Fans can immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted visual recreation of feudal Japan without extra logins obstructing the journey.
Thank you for your feedback.
Just so you are aware, A PSN account is required for Legends online multiplayer mode and to use PlayStation overlay. It is not required to play the singleplayer game.
— Sucker Punch Productions (@SuckerPunchProd) May 3, 2024
While online integrations can facilitate crossplay and social features, many PC players prefer keeping their single-player adventures self-contained without the need for additional accounts and overlays. Sucker Punch’s decision strikes a balance by cordoning off the multiplayer functionality.
As Ghost of Tsushima brings its unique vision of historical action to new platforms, the decision to decouple the single-player campaign avoids the pitfalls of mandatory online requirements that have marred other recent PC releases from PlayStation’s library. PC gamers can now explore the full majesty of Tsushima without logins creating unintended accessibility obstacles.
