The upcoming PC release of Ghost of Tsushima, a former PlayStation exclusive, has generated significant buzz among gamers. With its Director’s Cut set to include expansion and multiplayer DLC, many are eagerly anticipating its arrival on Steam. However, recent revelations regarding the PlayStation Network (PSN) login requirement have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the game’s accessibility on different platforms.
Developers Nixxes and Sucker Punch have clarified that while players will not need to sign in with a PSN account to access the single-player campaign or the Iki Island expansion, multiplayer features such as the co-op mode will require a PSN login. This decision has drawn comparisons to past incidents, such as Arrowhead’s infamous mandatory PSN login for Helldivers 2, which was later rescinded due to backlash from the gaming community.
One of the most significant consequences of the PSN login requirement is its impact on multiplayer functionality, particularly on the Steam Deck platform. The developers have confirmed that Ghost of Tsushima’s multiplayer mode will not be accessible on Steam Deck due to the integration with the PSN. This limitation has led to the game being marked as “Unsupported” on Steam, creating frustration among players who value the multiplayer experience.
While the PSN integration offers the potential for cross-play between PlayStation and PC users, the feature will only be available in beta form at launch. This means that players will need to manually invite friends to participate in cross-platform gameplay, rather than being automatically matched with users on different platforms. This limitation could hinder the seamless integration of cross-play and discourage solo players from engaging in multiplayer sessions.
Another issue stemming from the PSN login requirement is the restriction on selling Ghost of Tsushima in nearly 180 countries, including Japan where the game is set. This decision has raised questions about the accessibility of the game in regions where PSN accounts cannot be created, mirroring the challenges faced by Helldivers 2 in certain territories. The exclusion of key markets due to login requirements underscores the broader implications of platform-specific restrictions on game distribution.
The controversy surrounding the PSN login requirement for Ghost of Tsushima’s PC release highlights the challenges and limitations associated with platform-specific integrations. While the decision to mandate a PSN login for multiplayer features may have strategic benefits, such as cross-play capabilities, it also presents barriers to accessibility and global distribution. Moving forward, developers and publishers must carefully consider the implications of such requirements on player experience and market reach, balancing the need for connectivity with the imperative of inclusivity in the gaming industry.