Sony comments on Steam PlayStation account controversy

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Important takeaways

  • Sony acknowledges pushback but will keep PlayStation Network account requirement for PC ports.
  • The requirement aims to maintain order and security in online gaming for PlayStation fans on PC.



Sony President and CFO Hiroki Totoki commented on the controversy surrounding the company's push to require a PlayStation Network account for its PC ports on Steam. This requirement caused much frustration and resentment towards Sony i Helldivers 2 community earlier this year, and the release of God of War Ragnarok on Steam also brought some pushback from fans who wanted to enjoy the title without logging in.

Sony continued its PC push with various game releases in 2024, including a day-and-date launch for Helldivers 2 and ends up in God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition. It appears that 2025 will follow a similar release pattern with the launch of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on Steam in January, and PC gamers have more PlayStation titles to play than ever before. However, the company's push for PlayStation Network account linking in its PC ports led to some controversy regarding Helldivers 2with some fans blaming the company's decision for the game's decline in active Steam players over time. Many consider the account link requirement awkward, and the Sony president shared his thoughts on the community's pushback during the company's Q&A portion of its latest financial call.


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As reported by GamesRadar+, Totoki discussed that Sony has “learned a lot” about community pushback against the PlayStation Network account requirement and how issues can arise on PC. However, Totoki notes that the requirement “helps maintain order” in live service games and allows PlayStation fans to enjoy games in a safe online environment on PC. As a result, Sony will “continue to seek the best way” to promote a secure environment, and the account link requirement will remain a cornerstone of this strategy.


  • Sony “learned a lot” about community pushback against the account link requirement.
  • The requirement will continue to exist on PlayStation's PC ports to maintain law and order and a safe online environment.


Totoki's comments make it clear that PlayStation Network accounts will continue to be required in Sony's upcoming PC ports, including Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on Steam, regardless of player criticism. At the very least, PlayStation fans on PC can expect the same in-game features found on the PS5 versions, including full DualSense compatibility and the ability to earn trophies.

During the same Q&A session, Totoki commented on the failure of Harmonyand states that the company is still analyzing what went wrong with the new Firewalk Studios IP address. Sony's president admitted it Harmony did not have enough user testing and other forms of evaluation during development, and the company's “siloed” organizational structure may have contributed to the game's failure.

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