Unveiled gifts and Sony's updated policy for PSN on PC

Sony's recent policy decisions regarding PC gaming have sparked significant controversy among gamers. The requirement to tether to the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player games has been a point of contention, especially since the service isn't available in all regions, leading to restrictions on the sale of modern releases.

In response to the backlash, Sony has announced adjustments to its policy. While not completely abandoning the idea of PSN tethering on PC, the company has introduced some relaxations. For the following games, PSN tethering will not be mandatory:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• God of War Ragnarok
• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

For those who opt into PSN tethering, Sony is offering incentives:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - Early access to the "2099" line of costumes for Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
• God of War Ragnarok - Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set, the first "Lost Things" chest at the beginning of the game, and a set of resources.
• The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered - Bonus points to unlock features and more.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Nora Valiant costume.

In response to investor inquiries in November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to PSN connectivity but emphasized its importance for maintaining security and order. He discussed this in the context of service-based games but did not clarify how requiring a PSN account enhances the security of single-player games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök.

As gaming evolves, so too must the policies that govern it. Sony's adjustments reflect an attempt to balance user demands with their strategic goals, though the debate over PSN tethering continues.