In an unexpected turn of events, the much-anticipated PC release of "Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut" has hit a significant snag due to Sony's PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking requirement. This policy, which was already a point of contention with "Helldivers 2", has now led Valve and Epic Games to automatically refund pre-orders for players in regions where PSN accounts can't be created, sparking widespread frustration among gamers.
The PSN Account Requirement
- Background: The controversy began with "Helldivers 2", where Sony initially mandated that PC players link their Steam accounts with a PSN account to continue playing. This decision was met with severe backlash, leading to a reversal but not before causing similar issues for "Ghost of Tsushima".
- Ghost of Tsushima's Case: Unlike "Helldivers 2", where the requirement was applied post-launch, "Ghost of Tsushima" had this stipulation clear from the outset for its Legends multiplayer mode. However, the fallout has been more immediate and problematic, as the game was delisted in over 170 countries where PSN isn't available, affecting access to both multiplayer and, indirectly, the single-player campaign.
Automatic Refunds and Regional Impact
- Valve and Epic's Response: Both platforms have taken the unprecedented step of automatically refunding pre-orders for "Ghost of Tsushima" in regions where PSN isn't available. This decision reflects an attempt to mitigate customer dissatisfaction but has also left many players in these regions without the game they were eager to play.
- Player Frustration: The automatic refunds have been met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the proactive approach to refunds, there's significant frustration over:
- Loss of Access: Players can't purchase or play the game in their region anymore, even though the single-player mode doesn't require PSN account linking.
- Communication: There's been criticism regarding the lack of clear communication from Sony about this policy before the game's launch.
- Review Bombing Threats: The community's reaction has been vocal, with discussions on platforms like X hinting at potential review bombing, a tactic where players leave negative reviews to protest against decisions by developers or publishers. This could affect the game's overall reception and future sales.
The Broader Implications
- Sony's Strategy: This situation raises questions about Sony's strategy for bringing PlayStation exclusives to PC. While the move to PC is welcomed by many, the PSN requirement seems to be a sticking point, potentially alienating a portion of the global gaming community.
- Future Releases: How Sony handles this situation could set a precedent for future PC ports. There's a call for more inclusive policies that don't restrict games based on geographical PSN availability.
- Industry Reaction: Other developers and publishers might take note of the backlash, possibly reconsidering mandatory account linking or ensuring they have more flexible policies for regions without access to certain networks.
Community and Developer Interaction
- Sucker Punch's Clarification: In response to the initial confusion, Sucker Punch Productions, the game's developer, clarified that PSN account linking was only necessary for the Legends multiplayer mode, not the single-player campaign. However, this clarification came too late for many affected players.
- Moving Forward: The gaming community is now looking towards Sony for a statement or policy change regarding this issue. There's a demand for more transparent and user-friendly approaches to cross-platform gaming.
Conclusion
The automatic refunding of "Ghost of Tsushima" pre-orders by Valve and Epic due to the PSN linking requirement is a clear sign of the complexities involved in bringing console exclusives to PC. As the dust settles, this situation could lead to a reassessment by Sony on how they approach their games' availability across different platforms and regions. For now, gamers in non-PSN countries are left waiting to see if they'll once again have access to one of the year's most anticipated titles.
