Sony's recent policy changes regarding PC gaming have sparked significant debate among gamers. The company's requirement for tethering to the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player games has been a point of contention, particularly because the service is not available in all regions, thus limiting the sales of their modern releases.

In a move to address some of the backlash, Sony has announced modifications to their policy. While they have not completely abandoned the idea of tethering to PSN on PC, they are introducing several relaxations. Specifically, the following games will not require mandatory PSN tethering:

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

For those who choose to link their PSN accounts, Sony is offering exclusive in-game rewards:

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

In response to investor inquiries in November, Sony's COO Hiroki Totoki acknowledged the opposition to PSN tethering but emphasized its necessity for maintaining security and order. He discussed these restrictions primarily in the context of service-based games, yet did not clarify how single-player games such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök benefit from a mandatory PSN account in terms of security.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Sony's adjustments to its PC gaming policies reflect an attempt to balance user satisfaction with their strategic objectives.