Sony Game Goes Multiplatform, Dropping PSN on PC

Lost Soul Aside's PC Release to Skip Controversial PSN Linking Requirement

Lost Soul Aside, the highly anticipated Sony-published action RPG, is set to launch on PC in 2025 without the previously mandated PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking. This significant change will allow Sony to sell the game in over 100 countries currently unsupported by PSN, dramatically increasing its potential reach and sales.

Developed by Shanghai's UltiZeroGames as part of PlayStation's China Hero Project, Lost Soul Aside has been in development for nearly nine years. The Devil May Cry-inspired hack-and-slash title boasts dynamic combat and has generated considerable excitement. While Sony publishes the game for both PS5 and PC, the company's decision to initially require PSN account linking for PC titles drew significant criticism. This requirement barred sales in numerous regions lacking PSN support.

However, recent evidence suggests Lost Soul Aside will be different. Following the December 2024 gameplay trailer release and the game's Steam page launch, the initial mention of a required PSN account was swiftly removed from the SteamDB update history.

A Shift in Sony's PC Strategy?

This marks the second time Sony has reversed course on mandatory PSN linking for PC games, the first being the widely publicized incident with Helldivers 2. This reversal for Lost Soul Aside suggests a potential softening of Sony's stance on this controversial policy. The lackluster PC performance of games requiring PSN linking, such as God of War Ragnarok (which saw significantly fewer Steam players than its predecessor), may have influenced this decision.

While the exact reasons remain unclear, the move likely reflects Sony's desire to maximize Lost Soul Aside's player base and sales potential. The absence of a PSN requirement will undoubtedly be welcomed by PC gamers in regions previously excluded from accessing PlayStation titles.