Sony Drops Regional Restrictions on PSN for Four Major PC Games, Expanding Accessibility

Sony Quietly Removes Regional Restrictions on Major PC Titles

Sony has discreetly lifted regional restrictions for four of its biggest games on PC, making them available for purchase in dozens of countries where they were previously inaccessible. Titles such as God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2 are now accessible to a broader audience across different regions.

What Changed and Why?

While Sony has not officially commented on this change, it coincides with a noticeable shift in the company’s approach to PC game releases. Earlier this year, Sony experimented with mandatory PlayStation Network (PSN) account linking for certain titles, which led to significant restrictions. For example, Helldivers 2 was removed from sale in 177 countries due to these restrictions, signaling a move that was not well-received by gamers.

A Shift in Sony’s Regional Policies

Previously, Sony announced that for some titles—including the four now affected—the PSN account would become optional. Despite this, the games remained inaccessible in many regions without a PSN account. The recent removal of restrictions suggests that Sony is reconsidering its stance, aiming to create a more open experience for PC gamers worldwide.

Possible Reasons Behind the Change

It remains unclear what exactly prompted Sony to relax these restrictions. Some speculate that the success of Stellar Blade on PC, which was initially released without regional limitations, may have influenced this decision. However, considering the overall positive reception of previous ports, this is unlikely to be the sole factor.

Broader Implications for Sony’s PC Strategy

This move indicates a potential shift in Sony’s strategy towards PC gaming, possibly signaling a more consumer-friendly approach in future releases. By removing regional barriers, Sony might be aiming to increase sales and foster a more inclusive gaming community.

Additional Industry Insights

Recently, industry insiders hinted at upcoming developments in Sony’s portable gaming hardware, with rumors suggesting a new handheld device launching alongside the PlayStation 6, expected around 2027. Such advancements could further solidify Sony’s commitment to expanding its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.