# New Issues for PlayStation? Sony’s Recent Action Provokes Outrage Among PC Gamers
Sony has encountered a challenging year, and it appears that the difficulties are not yet resolved. Following criticism over the **requirement of a PSN account** for popular games such as *Helldivers 2* and *God of War Ragnarök*, along with the uproar surrounding the steep retail price of the newly revealed **PS5 Pro**, the PlayStation brand is now confronting new scrutiny. This latest wave of discontent is directed at the **PC gaming community**, particularly revolving around the cherished title *Horizon Zero Dawn*.
## Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: A Tough Pill to Swallow for Some
Sony has revealed that beginning October 31, 2024, a **remastered edition** of *Horizon Zero Dawn* will be accessible for PC gamers. Although this information may initially seem thrilling, it is accompanied by a major stipulation: **a PSN account will be necessary to access the game**—despite it being a single-player experience.
This choice has ignited fury among enthusiasts, particularly those who have relished the autonomy of buying and playing PC games without the burden of extra accounts or online requirements. The decision to tie a single-player game to a PSN account is perceived by many as an unwarranted and aggravating hurdle.
### What’s Changing?
Until now, *Horizon Zero Dawn* was sold as a standalone game on services like **Steam** and the **Epic Games Store**. However, Sony has now decided to withdraw the original PC version from individual sale on these platforms. Instead, players will only be able to purchase the game as part of a bundle that includes both the original and the remastered editions. With this remaster, the **PSN account requirement** becomes compulsory.
To many, this feels like a regression. The original *Horizon Zero Dawn* received acclaim for its captivating open-world gameplay, and the notion of needing to have an online account to engage with a single-player title has left a bad impression on many fans.
## Aloy Now Requires a PSN Account
The main character of *Horizon Zero Dawn*, **Aloy**, has achieved prominence in the gaming realm. Her odyssey through a dystopian landscape brimming with robotic entities resonated with millions. Nevertheless, for those who have not yet embarked on her journey on PC, the newly imposed requirement to establish and associate a **PlayStation Network (PSN) account** could serve as a deal-breaker.
While the remastered edition asserts technical enhancements and improved visuals, the necessity for a PSN account has overshadowed these advancements. For numerous players, the allure of PC gaming stems from its separation from console infrastructures, and Sony’s choice to enforce account linkage is perceived as an infringement upon that liberty.
### What Does This Mean for You? A Quick FAQ
Naturally, this announcement has prompted a multitude of inquiries within the gaming sphere. Here’s a succinct overview of what this alteration signifies for players:
1. **Can I still purchase the original *Horizon Zero Dawn*?**
– Yes, but exclusively on **GOG**. The original version is still obtainable on GOG, but it does not come with the remastered version. Purchasing it there means you won’t have an option to upgrade to the remaster later.
2. **I still see *Horizon Zero Dawn* on Steam. What’s the situation?**
– The original *Horizon Zero Dawn* remains listed on Steam, but it can only be acquired as part of a bundle with the remastered edition. Both versions are now interconnected, with the remaster mandating a PSN account.
3. **I already possess the original version. Will I need a PSN account now?**
– No. If you already have the original version of *Horizon Zero Dawn* on PC, a PSN account will not be necessary unless you opt to buy the remastered upgrade. Your existing version will stay unchanged.
4. **What about users in regions without support?**
– This situation grows particularly complex. There are **121 countries** lacking official PSN support. Gamers in these areas might soon find themselves unable to play the original *Horizon Zero Dawn* once the enforced PSN account linking comes into effect. This has raised serious concerns regarding accessibility and fairness.
## Community Reaction: Surging Negative Reviews
The PC gaming community has expressed its discontent with this recent policy. On platforms such as Steam, the repercussions of Sony’s decision are already evident. The number of **negative reviews** for *Horizon Zero Dawn* has surged dramatically in recent days. While the game once received praise for its gameplay and storytelling, recent feedback is replete with grievances about the PSN account requirement.
One user, **ThatPersonaa**, encapsulated the feelings by stating: *“The game looks good and is endorsed by my friends, but the publisher determines to…*