Summary
- Lost Soul Aside's PC version has seemingly removed the controversial PSN account linking requirement ahead of its 2025 launch.
- This change will enable publisher Sony to sell Lost Soul Aside in countries not supported by PSN, thereby enhancing the game's global reach and potential sales.
- Sony's decision to eliminate the PSN account linking requirement for Lost Soul Aside could signal a more adaptable strategy for PlayStation's PC games moving forward.
New evidence suggests that Lost Soul Aside, an eagerly awaited title from Sony's publishing portfolio, has eliminated the need for a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for its PC version. This development not only frees PC players from the obligation of linking a PSN account but also broadens the geographical scope where Sony can market the game upon its 2025 release.
Lost Soul Aside, an action RPG inspired by the likes of Devil May Cry and emphasizing "dynamic combat," has been nurtured under PlayStation's China Hero Project. Developed over nearly a decade by the Shanghai-based studio UltiZeroGames, the game has garnered significant attention. Sony, which has financed the project, plans to release Lost Soul Aside on both PS5 and PC. However, the introduction of mandatory PSN account linking for PlayStation games on PC last year sparked considerable controversy among the gaming community.
PSN is not available in over 100 countries, which previously limited the sales and accessibility of PC games requiring PSN accounts. Yet, it appears that Lost Soul Aside will not follow this pattern. Following the release of its latest gameplay trailer in December 2024, the game's Steam page was updated. Initially, it included a mention of the PSN account requirement, but subsequent updates to the SteamDB history reveal that this condition was removed the very next day.
Lost Soul Aside marks the second instance where Sony has opted out of enforcing PSN account linking for a PC game, following the contentious situation with Helldivers 2. This move is likely to be welcomed by PC gamers in regions without PSN support who are eager to experience Lost Soul Aside. It also hints at a potential shift in Sony's approach to PC gaming, suggesting a more flexible stance on PSN account requirements.
While the exact motivations behind Sony's decision remain unclear, it is speculated that the company aims to maximize the game's player base. The performance of PlayStation games on PC has been less than stellar since the introduction of PSN account linking, as evidenced by God of War Ragnarok's lower Steam player count compared to its predecessor.
