Sony’s controversial decision to mandate a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for all its recent PC game releases has sparked widespread discontent among gamers, with little indication that the company plans to rectify this unpopular policy.
During the recent Sony Group Corporation investors call, specifically in the Q&A segment that takes place around the 45:40 mark, a significant question arose regarding the insights the company has gleaned from the closure of Concord, the live-service game that led to the dissolution of its development studio.
In response, Hiroki Totoki, the President, COO, and CFO of Sony, offered up a statement translated from a live interpreter. While the translation may be a bit loose and rough, he conveyed the following:
We have learned a lot from that situation. Particularly regarding the challenges associated with PC platforms, the mandated PlayStation accounts we have implemented have, at times, elicited significant push-back from the community. For our live-service games, to ensure an orderly gaming environment that promotes safety and enjoyment for all players, we recognize the need to cultivate conditions that allow for freedom within certain constraints.
While these constraints cannot be labeled merely as rules, we believe that it is essential to ask users and gamers to adhere to certain standards of conduct. Striking a balance between freedom and structure is crucial, and we will continually seek the optimal path to achieve this.
Clearly, the requirement for a PSN account is cemented in place and will be a fixture in all future Sony games, despite its unfavorable reception and its potential to alienate many regions from accessing their titles. Sony seeks to retain strict control over its offerings, particularly as it expands beyond its traditional PlayStation hardware.
In some respects, mandating PSN accounts aligns with the needs of their online live-service games, especially given that the context of the query was focused on the now-defunct Concord, which had been designed as a live-service title.
Nevertheless, it makes little rational sense to impose such requirements on single-player games, such as Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Until Dawn, and God of War Ragnarök, which will also now follow this trend. Mandating online accounts for single-player experiences is unlikely to resonate positively with the gaming community, yet it is apparent that this approach is here to stay for Sony’s PC releases.
**Interview with Hiroki Totoki, President, COO, and CFO of Sony Group Corporation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Totoki. Recently, Sony’s decision to require a PlayStation Network account for its PC game releases has ignited considerable debate among gamers. How do you respond to the backlash regarding this policy?
**Hiroki Totoki:** Thank you for having me. We understand that changes can be challenging for our user base, and we appreciate the feedback from our gaming community. This decision was made to ensure a seamless experience across platforms and enhance the connectivity of our games.
**Interviewer:** Many gamers feel that this requirement complicates access, especially for those in regions with restrictions, like some crown dependencies. What is Sony doing to address these geographical concerns?
**Hiroki Totoki:** We are aware of the concerns surrounding accessibility. Our goal is to create a unified platform that supports our growing number of PC releases. While we currently cannot change our policy, we are actively exploring ways to improve user experience regardless of their location.
**Interviewer:** During the recent investor call, you mentioned that Sony learned valuable lessons from the closure of Concord. Can you share some of those insights with us?
**Hiroki Totoki:** Absolutely. The closure of Concord was a significant moment for us. We learned about the importance of aligning our development with audience expectations and the need for stronger community engagement during the development phases. It has reshaped how we approach new projects moving forward.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be a lack of communication regarding these policies from Sony. Are there plans to improve how you engage with your community going forward?
**Hiroki Totoki:** Yes, we are committed to enhancing our engagement with fans and players. We recognize the importance of open dialogue and plan to implement more forums and feedback channels, allowing our community to share their thoughts and experiences more directly.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Mr. Totoki. It’s clear that Sony values feedback and is looking to improve the relationship with its gaming community.
**Hiroki Totoki:** Thank you for having me. We are always listening and striving to do our best for our players.