Additional reporting byAndrew Marmo.
Sony could soon introduce its own launcher for its PC games, following in the footsteps of Ubisoft, Rockstar and Activision Blizzard.
References to a “PlayStationPC launcher” have been found within the files ofMarvel’s Spider-ManRemastered, which launched on PC last week, suggesting that such a platform could be in Sony’s future plans.
VGC has verified the files and seen the reference to the PlayStation PC launcher.
This follows the discovery that Sony could be planning to introducePlayStation Network integration to its PC games.
While neither Marvel’s Spider-Man nor any other PlayStation Studios PC game currently allows connectivity with PSN accounts, Spider-Man’s files contain multiple references to “PSNAccountLinked” and “PSNLinkingEntitlements”.
Thus far, all of Sony’sPC gameshave been released onSteamand theEpicGame Store. While PlayStation has a PlayStation PC brand, it is generally used as a collective term for all PC rereleases, rather than a launcher.
It’s possible that these references could suggest a bespoke version of the PlayStation Store could come to PC. This, coupled with the references to account integration, could eventually lead to cross-purchasing for titles onPS5and PC.
It’s unlikely the first party would keep its games exclusive to this launcher. WhileMicrosoftoffers its games on its own store, it also releases its games on Steam.
However, some publishers, such asRockstar, require a reduced version of the launcher client to be active, even when launching a game from Steam, as a means of verification.
Further reading
Last yearSony Interactive EntertainmentCEOJim Ryanstated that PlayStationwas planning to bring “a whole slate” of gamesto PC.
Spider-Man Remastered is Sony’s sixth PC title, it was released last week. It will be followed by PC ports ofSpider-Man: Miles MoralesandUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collectionlater in the year.
