In a significant move for PC gamers worldwide, Sony has quietly lifted regional restrictions on several of its major PC titles, making them available for purchase in more than 100 additional countries. This decision marks a reversal of a policy that had previously locked out players in regions without PlayStation Network (PSN) availability from accessing some of a growing library of acclaimed PlayStation games on PC.
The change, which came to light through updates on the Steam database, affects a slate of high-profile games, including:
- God of War Ragnarök
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Helldivers 2
This expansion of availability comes as welcome news to a global community of gamers who had been vocal in their frustration over the previous limitations. The initial restrictions were a direct consequence of the controversy surrounding the mandatory PSN account linking for the hit multiplayer shooter, Helldivers 2. The requirement effectively barred players in countries where PSN services are not offered from playing the game, leading to widespread criticism and a review-bombing campaign on Steam.
While Sony eventually walked back the mandatory PSN linking for Helldivers 2, the regional sales restrictions remained in place for it and other upcoming PC releases. This latest development appears to be a direct response to the ongoing feedback and a recognition of the significant PC gaming audience in the affected regions.
The move is being seen as a positive step towards a more unified global gaming community, allowing more players to experience some of PlayStation’s most celebrated titles without geographical barriers. The decision also aligns with a broader industry trend of breaking down platform and regional exclusivity to reach a wider audience.
However, it’s important to note that not all of Sony’s PC portfolio has been made universally available. As of now, titles such as Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut appear to remain under the previous regional restrictions. The reasons for this disparity are not yet clear, and Sony has not issued an official statement regarding these changes.
The lifting of these restrictions is a significant win for player choice and accessibility. As Sony continues to bring more of its first-party exclusives to the PC platform, the hope within the gaming community is that this more inclusive approach will become the standard for all future releases. This quiet but impactful policy shift is a promising sign for a more open and connected future for PC gaming.