There’s something unexpected in the PC edition of Marvel’s Spider-Man. According to VGC (opens in new tab)the PC version contains game files that reference a “PlayStation PC launcher”.
Sony has not officially announced such a launcher, nor is the existence of these references proof that it will ever appear. But as VGC points out, this can be seen as at least an interest in Sony’s idea. Files referring to “PSNAccountLinked” and “PSNLinkingEntitlements” were also discovered. VGC has viewed and verified these files.
Sony seems to be doubling down on PC gaming. Just this year, it released God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man – titles that are among the best PS4 games. Before that, the company unleashed Death Stranding and Horizon Zero Dawn on PC. The Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection is expected to hit the platform before the end of the year. Seen how Sony recently launched a website dedicated to PlayStation games on PC (opens in new tab)it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing more first-party offerings from the company in the near future.
I am a big fan of PlayStation games on PC. This is especially true now that I have a Steam Deck. Still, I think there is room for improvement. Lots of space actually.
For PlayStation PC games to reach their full potential, Sony needs better integration between PlayStation and PC through the PlayStation Network. Essentially, it should copy what Microsoft is currently doing with its Xbox ecosystem. This is a necessary step that will ultimately help expand the PlayStation brand beyond the console space and make PSN as a whole more united.
PlayStation’s Divided Ecosystem
PlayStation Plus on PC feels years behind Xbox Game Pass. You can’t download games or even search for individual titles in the PC app. Synchronizing saved data is also not easy.
Microsoft’s Xbox is the banner of unified gaming ecosystems. If you buy a first-party Xbox title like Gears 5 or Halo Infinite, you can play it on your Xbox Series X or any of the best gaming PCs.
Thanks to cloud storage, you can start playing on one platform and resume your game on another without missing a beat. Cross saves also work when playing a game through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The latter feature also allows you to play Xbox titles on mobile devices. Best of all, you only need to purchase a game once.
The redesigned PlayStation Plus unites services such as the previous version of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now. With one subscription, you have access to hundreds of downloadable and streaming titles from PlayStation’s extensive game library, which includes titles from both first and third-party developers.
PlayStation Plus on PC feels years behind Xbox Game Pass. It works great on PS4 and PS5. However, things are not so rosy when it comes to the PC app. You cannot download games or even search for individual titles. Synchronizing saved data is also not easy.
If you were hoping for PS Plus functionality on iOS or Android, you’re out of luck. This is even more blatant when you consider that Xbox Game Pass has been compatible with PC and mobile for years.
What about the PlayStation titles currently available on PC? Can you sync saved data between consoles and PC? You can’t. Do you have to buy a game again if you want to play it on PC? Yes. Are PlayStation trophies transferred between console and PC? Absolutely not.
The only thing that unites PC and console PlayStation games is the Sony Interactive Entertainment animation that runs after you launch a game. That is it.
Some might say this is because PlayStation PC games are on independent marketplaces like Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, Xbox titles on Steam such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection include cross saves and Xbox achievements. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to charge the same for PlayStation games available on console and PC.
PlayStation must copy Xbox as soon as possible
If Sony ever decides to release a PlayStation PC launcher for its growing library of PC titles, this could be a real game changer (if you’ll forgive the pun). This is especially true if it’s linked to someone’s PlayStation Network account. If it functioned as the Xbox ecosystem, users would be able to purchase a single title and play it across a wide range of devices — with full support for game and trophies saving. I don’t know about you, but that would be a dream come true.
I realize the thought of another PC startup program turns some people off. Steam. The Epic Games store. Ubisoft Connect. GOG. EA Origin. RockStar Games launcher. The Xbox app. It is much. But if we can have real unity between PlayStation consoles and PC, I think it’s a small price to pay for another launcher on your desktop.
While the news that inspired my argument here remains the stuff of rumours, I believe Sony will eventually provide us with a unified PlayStation ecosystem. The company’s increased pressure on PC gaming, both in terms of PlayStation titles and gaming peripherals like the Sony Inzone H9 and Sony Inzone M9, proves that the company isn’t just paying lip service to PC gaming. I see no reason why Sony should not continue down this road. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
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