Sony’s reputation among PC gamers has taken a hit due to the controversy surrounding the PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement for Helldivers 2 on Steam. After facing backlash and negative reviews, Sony backtracked on the decision, but the damage was already done. The release of Ghost Of Tsushima on Steam has faced similar criticism, with negative user reviews focusing on the PSN requirement for multiplayer and the PlayStation overlay. The requirement was better advertised for Ghost Of Tsushima, but the backlash from the previous controversy still lingers.
The timing of Ghost Of Tsushima’s Steam release coincided with the announcement of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the first game in the franchise set in feudal Japan. While Ghost Of Tsushima and Assassin’s Creed Shadows both have their own controversies, Sony missed the opportunity to capitalize on the hype surrounding the new Assassin’s Creed game. The controversy surrounding the PSN requirement for Sony’s Steam releases has overshadowed the positive aspects of the games, highlighting the importance of avoiding such requirements to maintain player goodwill.
Despite the initial negative reviews on Steam, Ghost Of Tsushima has since received overwhelmingly positive reviews, bringing its overall score to ‘Very Positive’. While the game itself is highly praised, the most common negative reviews continue to focus on the PSN requirement rather than gameplay or performance issues. Some negative reviews mention technical issues such as crashes, freezing, and the game not running, as well as restrictions in countries without access to PSN. However, the overall sentiment is that the game is deserving of praise and appreciation from the PC gaming community.
The requirement of PSN or other third-party launchers for games on Steam is a point of contention among PC gamers, as seen in the case of Ghost Of Tsushima and other releases. Players generally dislike additional requirements that impede their ability to seamlessly access and play the game. While Ghost Of Tsushima’s positive reception on Steam is a testament to the game’s quality, the ongoing criticism surrounding the PSN requirement serves as a cautionary tale for game publishers to consider the impact of such decisions on player experience and perception.
It is noted that official reviews of Ghost Of Tsushima on gaming websites or YouTube were not available at the time of release, raising concerns about the lack of pre-release information and coverage. The absence of review codes being sent out prior to launch may have contributed to the initial negative user reviews based on the PSN requirement. However, as the game has gained popularity and positive feedback from players, it is evident that Ghost Of Tsushima has found favor among the PC gaming community, despite the initial controversy and challenges faced.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the PSN requirement for Sony’s Steam releases has highlighted the importance of player goodwill and seamless access to games on the platform. Despite facing initial criticism, Ghost Of Tsushima has ultimately received positive reviews and praise from the PC gaming community. As game publishers navigate the challenges of releasing their titles on Steam and other platforms, avoiding unnecessary requirements and prioritizing player experience will be crucial in ensuring the success and reception of their games in the future.
