Digital game distribution platforms, including Steam, have begun cancelling pre-orders and issuing refunds for the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut in regions lacking official access to the PlayStation Network (PSN). This upcoming release, which offers PSN functionality on PC, allows players to utilize a new PlayStation overlay that replicates the PS5 interface, providing features such as Trophy support.
The game’s removal from digital storefronts is reported to have affected over 170 countries where PSN is unavailable. This development follows a recent controversy in which Sony required players of Helldivers 2 on Steam to link their PSN accounts, a decision that was reversed following significant backlash from the gaming community.
According to developer Sucker Punch, while Ghost of Tsushima’s Legends multiplayer mode will necessitate a PSN account for online play, players can engage with the single-player campaign without needing to link their accounts. The game is slated for PC release on May 16.
Refunds are being processed for pre-orders across digital platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Green Man Gaming, as noted in a report from Eurogamer. These refunds apply to customers in regions where PlayStation Network is not accessible, thus preventing them from experiencing the Legends multiplayer aspect.
Players who pre-ordered Ghost of Tsushima on Steam are receiving notifications indicating, “You are receiving a refund for a game you pre-purchased – Ghost of Tsushima. The publisher of this game is now requiring a secondary account to play portions of this game – and this account cannot be created from your country.” Reports also confirm similar refund actions for pre-orders on the Epic Games Store and Green Man Gaming.
As of now, neither Sony nor Sucker Punch has publicly commented on the ongoing situation, aside from confirming the necessity of a PSN account for accessing the multiplayer mode.
Last week, Sony reversed its earlier stance on the mandatory linking of PSN accounts for Helldivers 2 players after a considerable outcry. Initially, the company had announced a deadline for players to link their PSN and Steam accounts by the end of May to continue accessing this title.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is officially set to launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 16.
