Ghost Of Tsushima PC Pre-Order: Steam, Epic Games Offering Refund Over PSN Unavailability

For the release of Ghost of Tsushima on PC on May 16, developer Sucker Punch has clarified that Steam players will only need to link their PSN account for the game's Legends online multiplayer mode.

Digital game platforms like Steam are reportedly cancelling pre-orders for the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and issuing refunds to players in regions where the PlayStation Network (PSN) isn't officially available. This game, which includes PSN support on PC, introduces a new PlayStation overlay that mirrors the PS5 interface on PC, alongside Trophies support and more. Ghost of Tsushima has reportedly been removed from storefronts in over 170 countries where PSN isn't accessible.

This development comes in the wake of Sony's recent decision to require PSN account linking for Helldivers 2 players on Steam, a move that faced widespread criticism from the PC gaming community. Sony eventually reversed this decision following the backlash.

For the upcoming release of Ghost of Tsushima on PC on May 16, developer Sucker Punch has clarified that Steam players will only need to link their PSN account for the game's Legends online multiplayer mode; the single-player campaign can be accessed and played without linking a PSN account.

Digital Platforms Offering Refunds

According to a Eurogamer report, PC digital platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Green Man Gaming are issuing refunds for pre-orders of Ghost of Tsushima. This is occurring in areas where the PlayStation Network (PSN) isn't accessible, as such regions would prevent players from accessing the Legends online multiplayer component of the game.

Reportedly, Steam users who pre-ordered Ghost of Tsushima and lack PSN access are receiving refund notifications stating, "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." Similarly, numerous pre-orders on Epic Games Store and GMG have also been refunded.

Sony and Sucker Punch have yet to comment on the situation. Sucker Punch has previously confirmed that a PSN account is necessary for accessing Ghost of Tsushima's Legends multiplayer mode.

In related news, Sony recently reversed its decision that mandated Helldivers 2 players on Steam to link their PlayStation Network accounts with Valve's storefront following significant backlash. Initially, the company had announced that users would need to link their Steam accounts to their PSN accounts by the end of May to continue playing Helldivers 2.