In a move that mirrors the recent Helldivers 2 controversy, Sony is reportedly blocking the upcoming PC version of Ghost of Tsushima from being purchased in multiple countries where PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts cannot be created. This restriction appears to be due to the game’s co-op multiplayer mode, Legends, requiring players to link a PSN account.
According to data tracked by SteamDB, an unofficial site that monitors Steam backend changes, Ghost of Tsushima has had purchase restrictions enabled for several regions like Albania, Afghanistan, Japan, and the Philippines. These are likely countries where PSN is unavailable or unsupported.
Players in affected regions who had already pre-ordered the game are reportedly receiving automatic refunds from retailers like Green Man Gaming. The refund notification cites the “publisher requiring a secondary account to play portions of the game” which cannot be created from certain locations.
Helldivers 2 purchase restrictions were updated to add Baltics.
Furthermore, Ghost of Tsushima now has the same purchase restrictions. pic.twitter.com/TbXjHzCfwb
— SteamDB (@SteamDB) May 10, 2024
This regional delisting closely mirrors Sony’s previous controversial attempt to mandate PSN account linking for the upcoming PC release of Helldivers 2. After significant backlash, including review bombing on Steam, Sony eventually walked back the requirement for that game.
For Ghost of Tsushima on PC, developer Sucker Punch has confirmed that a PSN account is only needed for the online Legends multiplayer mode and PlayStation overlay features. The single-player campajgn can be played without linking any account.
However, Sony appears to be taking a hardline stance by blocking sales entirely in unsupported regions, likely to avoid any potential Terms of Service violations from players using workarounds to bypass the PSN requirement.
This pre-emptive delisting could severely impact the sales potential and audience reach for one of PlayStation’s biggest first-party hits when it comes to PC on May 16th. With memories of the Helldivers 2 debacle still fresh, the blocked regions may trigger another wave of criticism towards Sony’s PC porting policies.
While protecting Terms of Service is understandable, cutting off entire countries from purchasing one of Sony’s marquee titles on PC could be seen as an overly draconian solution that only alienates potential new customers. As Ghost of Tsushima’s launch nears, Sony will have to weigh the costs of its PSN mandate against the benefits of bringing more PC gamers into the PlayStation ecosystem.
