Sony's PC publishing strategy just took another self-inflicted blow with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls blocked from purchase or activation in 132 countries on Steam, according to SteamDB backend data. The restriction stems directly from the game's requirement for a PlayStation Network account, which isn't available in those territories—mirroring the exact Helldivers 2 fiasco that forced a rollback after massive backlash. Countries affected include Egypt, the Philippines, Pakistan, Latvia, Monaco, the Vatican City State, and most of Africa except South Africa, plus three unknown codes.

Steam's store page explicitly notes that a PSN account and internet connection are required for online modes and pre-order bonuses, though single-player story access remains unclear. The August 6, 2026 launch date on PS5 and PC makes this a preemptive barrier, not a post-launch surprise, and lists like SteamDB confirm the geo-locks predate any public outcry. Fighting game communities on Reddit and X are already drawing comparisons, noting Pakistan's strong scene and broader exclusion of regions with dedicated players.

A Change.org petition has launched demanding availability in the locked countries, while Sony reps have acknowledged criticism at events like EVO without concrete fixes yet. This isn't content ratings or licensing—it's pure platform gatekeeping that turns a supposed PC release into a PSN-gated service with a Steam wrapper. Players in affected regions face VPN workarounds or account region changes, both risky under Steam's policies.