Sony Lifts Region Locks on PC PlayStation Ports
In a significant turn of events for gamers, Sony initiated its region-locking strategy for PC PlayStation titles in 2023, impacting over 100 countries. This policy restricted access to popular PlayStation ports and live service games, leaving many players in certain regions without access to much-anticipated titles. However, as of today, there are signs that Sony is beginning to ease these restrictions.
Although an official announcement from Sony has yet to materialize—similar to the approach taken when these restrictions were first imposed—many users from affected regions have reported that a majority of Sony’s game catalog is reappearing on their Steam platforms.
Changes Visible on SteamDB
Evidence of this policy shift can be observed in the SteamDB histories of key titles. For instance, the multiplayer game Helldivers 2, which previously faced access limitations, shows that the ‘PurchaseRestrictedCountries’ flag has recently been removed from numerous regions as of June 13. This change marks a significant step towards re-establishing equitable access to Sony’s games for players worldwide.
The Backstory: Controversy and Accountability
The controversy surrounding Sony’s regional policies accelerated in 2023, when the company mandated PlayStation Network accounts for PC games—even those devoid of online features. A notable backlash ensued, particularly concerning Helldivers 2. In response, Sony adjusted its policy, making the account requirement optional for PC players. However, the regional restrictions persisted for the 100-plus countries that do not officially support PlayStation Network accounts.
Possible Influences on Policy Shift
What could have prompted this recent change in Sony’s approach? The release of Stellar Blade seems to have had a dramatic impact. This action game, published by Sony and developed by Shift Up, attracted an unprecedented audience, reaching nearly 200, 000 concurrent players on Steam shortly after its launch. While its demo was initially hampered by regional restrictions, the developer successfully collaborated with Sony to facilitate a global launch without such limitations. It seems that this success may have influenced Sony’s decision to open access to its broader catalog.
Current Availability Status of PlayStation Titles
It’s noteworthy that many flagship PlayStation titles like Helldivers 2, God of War Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered have returned to accessibility for most regions. However, Ghost of Tsushima remains under the original restrictions, leaving questions about why this particular title has not followed suit.
As these changes unfold, the gaming community continues to watch for additional updates and clarifications from Sony regarding regional access and policy adjustments.
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