As the highly anticipated release of Ghost of Tsushima’s PC version looms closer, many fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the Director’s Cut, alongside its expansion and multiplayer DLC, on Steam. However, a recent revelation from developers Nixxes and Sucker Punch has brought about a major setback for those hoping to indulge in the game’s multiplayer features on the Steam Deck. The login requirement for PlayStation Network accounts will render the multiplayer mode inaccessible on this handheld device, ultimately disappointing players who were looking forward to engaging in co-op battles on the go.
Not long ago, the developers clarified that players will not be compelled to create or log in with a PlayStation Network account in order to enjoy Ghost of Tsushima’s single-player campaign or its Iki Island expansion. This decision came as a response to the backlash faced by Arrowhead Studios after imposing a mandatory PSN login for Helldivers 2, a move that was eventually retracted due to overwhelming negative feedback. While the main game and expansion will remain accessible without a PSN account, the same cannot be said for the co-op Legends mode, which necessitates a sign-in to access multiplayer features.
Despite Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut being technically supported on the Steam Deck for solo gameplay, multiplayer functionality will be compromised due to the integration of PlayStation Network services. Nixxes and Sucker Punch addressed this issue in a blog post announcing the pre-load availability of the game, explaining that Steam will label the title as “Unsupported” on the Steam Deck. This development raises concerns about the overall user experience, particularly for those who were hoping to enjoy the game’s multiplayer mode on a portable device.
Furthermore, the developers disclosed that cross-play between PlayStation and PC users will only be available in a beta form at launch. This means that while cross-play functionality is present, it will require manual coordination between players on different platforms, as automatic matchmaking will not be enabled initially. This poses a challenge for solo players hoping to quickly join multiplayer sessions, as they will need to rely on inviting friends to partake in co-op gameplay.
The announcement that Ghost of Tsushima’s PC port will not be accessible in nearly 180 countries, including Japan where the game is set, due to the PSN login requirement for Legends, raises questions about the feasibility and inclusivity of such restrictions. The fact that players in certain regions will be deprived of the opportunity to purchase and enjoy the game highlights the impact of platform-specific limitations on the gaming community. This echoes a similar situation with Helldivers 2, which faced restrictions in countries where PSN accounts couldn’t even be created.
In light of these developments, it becomes pertinent to reevaluate the necessity of enforcing separate PlayStation Network logins for multiplayer experiences across various games. The limitations imposed by such requirements raise concerns about accessibility, cross-platform functionality, and the overall user experience. As players eagerly await the release of Ghost of Tsushima’s PC version, the implications of these restrictions on multiplayer gameplay serve as a reminder of the evolving landscape of online gaming and the challenges that developers must navigate to cater to a diverse and global audience.
Leave a Reply