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PlayStation FINALLY removes frustrating PC requirement after a year of player complaints

THE fight between PlayStation and PC gamers over the unnecessary PSN requirement has been going on for almost a year.

PlayStation-exclusive games often come to PC sometime after launch, but since May 2024, Sony has been asking PC players to sign up for a PlayStation account.

Atreus holding Ratatoskr, a squirrel in armor, in God of War Ragnarök.
Sony Santa Monica
God of War Ragnarok no longer requires PSN[/caption]
a spider man and venom are fighting in front of a scoreboard
Marvel, Sony Interactive Entertainment
This means that people with PSN accounts can get in-game goodies for games like Spider-Man 2[/caption]
Horizon Zero Dawn™ Remastered_20241029135945
The change also applies retroactively to games like Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Guerilla Games

Players were immediately furious for several reasons, the main one being that PSN is not available in many regions.

This means people who had enjoyed PlayStation games on PC in the past, were no longer able to purchase and play new PlayStation games on their computers.

It began with Helldivers 2, but Sony pulled back on the decision as thousands had already purchased and were enjoying the game.

Ghost of Tsushima had begun accepting pre-orders before the PSN requirement was announced, and Sony had to refund a number of customers.

Despite early missteps, PlayStation continued requiring a PSN account for its PC games, and it was implemented in games like Until Dawn, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.

After almost a year of complaints from PC players, Sony has finally decided to remove the PSN requirement for PC games with new changes.

The change currently affects Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarӧk, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, which will be released on April 3.

A blog post from PlayStation reads: “An account for PlayStation Network will become optional for these titles on PC.

“Players who still opt to sign into a PlayStation Network account will also enjoy added benefits like trophies and friend management.”

Instead of locking potential players without a PSN account out of playing, PlayStation has decided to include in-game rewards for those who choose to sign up.

This includes costumes in Spider-Man 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Last of Us Part 2, and armour, resources and XP for God of War Ragnarӧk.

Players are hoping that the same policy will also affect PlayStation games going forward, and be enacted retroactively to already released PlayStation titles.

Further changes have not been confirmed but would help bridge the gap between PlayStation and its PC playerbase.

If you want to read more about PlayStation, check out how Forza Horizon 5 is now on PS5.

The latest PlayStation reviews from The Sun

PS5 hardware and game reviews from our team of expert reviewers

Hardware Reviews

Game Reviews

You can find all of our gaming reviews including those for Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Steam on our reviews hub.

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Who is Bear on The Masked Singer 2025? Latest clues and fan theories

Bear costume on The Masked Singer.
ITV

ONE Masked Singer judge thinks they may have uncovered Bear’s secret identity.

They think the mystery celebrity made a slip-up on stage which revealed them to be a huge London rapper, but fans think Bear might be a legendary footballer.

Bear in a Renaissance costume on a large book.
Bear seems to have a connection to theatre
ITV
A man in a striped suit holds a microphone while standing next to a bear in a renaissance costume.
Bear is a frontrunner for the 2025 series
ITV

Who is Bear on The Masked Singer 2025?

Bear has been one of the front-runners on the 2025 series of The Masked Singer.

Fans have linked them to Shakespeare, because of their elaborate period costume.

Their connection to the theatre seems strong, as they also performed You’ve Got To Pick a Pocket or Two from the musical Oliver!

What are the clues?

Bear has offered several clues about their identity, throughout the show.

The clues include:

  • Bear has made references to performing in the West End as a ‘cub’
  • A horseshoe
  • A coffee cup
  • Several globes
  • A ‘break a leg’ sign
  • Bear also said: ”The stage is set, the audience awaits, and I am hungry for the competition.”

During the show, Bear also revealed a riddle.

They said: ”I’m walking the stage and displaying my toil, but I’m also at home amongst flowers and soil.”

Who do the judges think Bear could be?

Mo Gilligan is in agreement with fans about Bear’s identity.

He said: “I think I’ve known who this is for a couple of weeks.

“You know why its because of the way they stand – I know this person personally.

“I’ve seen some music clues, I’ve seen they can do different types of music genres.

“I see under there I think it’s my friend Example.”

Example’s real name is Elliot Gleave and he has penned songs including Changed the Way You Kiss Me and the smash hit Kickstarts.

Fans agree with Mo’s theory because Bear chose to sing Shaboozey’s song Tipsy, which references Australia, football and yawning.

In response to the performance, one fan said: “Masked Singer, Bear is 100 per cent example (Elliot Gleave)!

“He’s a Fulham fan, he has a song with Ed Sheeran about chicken and he’s got a song called Kickstart.

“He’s the easiest one!”

Man smiling on television show.
Some viewers think Bear is Richard Blackwood
ITV
Man in black leather jacket at Between Two Worlds premiere.
Some fans think that Bear is rapper Example
PA: Press Association
A man holding a microphone with the Premier League logo.
Others have speculated that Bear is John Barnes
Getty Images

Who do The Masked Singer fans think Bear is?

However, not everyone is convinced that Bear is Example.

Others think the mystery singer might actually be the legendary footballer John Barnes.

One fan took to X to say: “John barnes for bear … ill leave that there #maskedsinger.”

Another said: “Bear I think is John barnes.”

Some think that Bear could be Eastenders star Richard Blackwood.

On ITV, he was directly asked:  “Just quickly, before we finish – are you doing The Masked Singer?

“Because you’re getting loads of attention about it this week.

“Can you exclusively reveal it to us?”

Richard replied: “I could… because you made me feel so good and stuff.

“No, I can’t, I can’t. But the moves and the way I… I mean, that’s how I would do it.”

He was asked by Richard Madeley if he was Bear and said: “The Bear has swag.

“I’m looking and thinking thats how I would do it.

“You can’t put on the bear outfit and not know the swag has to be on point.”

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BBC show branded ‘the best on the Beeb’ with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score finally returns for second series

A HIT BBC show branded ‘best on the Beeb’ and has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score has finally returned for a second series.

Popular school comedy-drama Boarders debuted on BBC Three last year.

Five students in school uniforms carrying folders.
BBC
Hit BBC comedy-drama Boarders is back for its second series[/caption]
Key art for the BBC Three and iPlayer series *Boarders*.
BBC
The show follows five talented black inner-city teens who gain scholarships to a prestigious boarding school.[/caption]
Natalie Cassidy in a maroon jacket holding a clipboard.
BBC
EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy guest stars in the new series[/caption]

The series focuses on five talented black inner-city teens who gain scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert’s boarding school.

Eager fans can now enjoy all six episodes of series two on BBC iPlayer.

It sees the return of Jaheim Marsham (Josh Tedeku), Leah Dulverton (Jodie Campbell), Omar Palmer-Grace (Myles Kamwendo), Femi Adebeyo (Aruna Jalloh) and Toby Staithes (Sekou Diaby).

Show creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor also plays a supporting role as Gus.

The group face new challenges in series two, with acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (Niky Wardley) on their case.

Meanwhile, Boarders has been receiving rave online reviews from its audience.

A five-star user review on Rotten Tomatoes declared it is the “best show on BBC.”

It added: “Funny comedy while there are also serious topics being covered. I would recommend this to anyone.”

While a glowing IMDB review read: “A captivating series that will leave you yearning for more I devoured all six episodes of this phenomenal series in record time, and I’m still reeling from the experience.

“With its expertly woven narrative, complex characters, and relentless pacing, this show has secured a spot on my list of all-time favourites.”

Newcomers joining the cast include EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy, aka Sonia Fowler.

The actress – who recently announced her exit from the BBC soap – takes on the role of Sharon Hail, a teacher at a rival school.

Scottish actor and The Traitors US host Alan Cumming also appears in series two.

Alan portrays a character also named Alan, a man with high standards of the students at St. Gilbert’s.

Best BBC comedies

We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.

Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.

Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.

Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time

Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.

Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!

The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.

Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.

He previously told Deadline: “I’ve always said that letting people know you are a fan of theirs is a good idea.

“And, so it was with Boarders. I mentioned this to the producers — who also happen to produce The Traitors — and very soon after, I found myself on the set having such a fun time.”

Further newcomers include Wunmi Mosaku, Cara Theobold, Michael Salami and Kendra Brown.

Series two of Boarders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Five students in school uniforms stand in front of a school building.
BBC
The show launched on BBC Three last year[/caption]

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Parents are racing to Aldi’s middle aisle to snap up the perfect sleepover bargain – and you get change from a fiver too

PARENTS have been racing to Aldi for a middle aisle bargain that’s perfect for sleepovers – and they’re also getting change from a fiver.

Mum Danielle explained she’d popped along to her local store and spotted the epic buy as she perused the shelves.

Box showing a pink inflatable kids airbed.
Parents have been racing to their nearest Aldi in search of this £3.99 airbed
ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
Two pink inflatable beds being inflated.
The beds make the perfect sleepover addition to a room
ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
Child sleeping on an inflatable bed.
ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
As other mums shared pictures of their kids snoozing on the bed[/caption]
Child lying on a pink inflatable mattress.
Kids even appear to enjoy lounging about on the comfy bed when they’re at home too
ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK

She took to Facebook to share the deal in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, so that other mums and dads could also take advantage.

“Didn’t think this was bad, £3.99 from Aldi, don’t know how much it should have been,” she wrote, alongside a picture of the bed in the box.

She also shared a screenshot of a similar air bed in Argos, which costs £35, but also comes with a pump.

The Adventuridge airbed is “suitable for camping, travel and sleepovers”, and can hold people up to a maximum weight of 22.7kg.

“Whereabouts please? I’m after one of these,” one person asked in the comments.

To which Danielle replied: “This was Silsden in West Yorkshire, was the last one.”

“These are fab! I brought 2 for a sleepover and they worked perfectly,” another wrote.

“I got it at full price, it was £9.99 so even at full whack was a bargain,” a third commented.

“I bought one about a month ago for £7.99 and thought it was a bargain then!” someone else said.

“These are really good i got a similar one off amazon,” another wrote.

“I paid £9.99 for one for my granddaughter,” someone else commented.

“Pumped it up with car pump – she loves it as it is a slide as well apparently!”

“My daughters 6 and absolutely loves it, just bought it for her to relax in cos I thought it was a bargain,” another added.

“Aw no way I ordered this today for £18 for camping, bummer,” someone else said, tagging a friend as they added: “Keep eye out and I’ll return it!”

More Aldi middle aisle buys

IF it's middle aisle buys that you're looking here, some of the new items you won't want to miss.

Shoppers recently went wild for Aldi’s new ‘pregnancy and menopause essential’ – and it’s only £6.99.

Garden enthusiasts raced to nab a £6.99 buy that will add style to any garden in an instant.

A £12.99 garden find left shoppers open-mouthed – but you’ll need to sprint to nab it.

If you’re looking to light up your garden this summer, you won’t want to miss this £8.99 solar light.

“Bought the last one in ours last week,” another said.

“It’s great but no pump came with it.

“Luckily we have one already.”

“it doesn’t take long to blow with your mouth, we found out,” someone else replied.

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Coronation Street and Emmerdale slash episodes in huge soap shake up amid ITV budget cuts

ITV is dramatically slashing its soap schedule as Coronation Street and Emmerdale struggle under a cash crisis.

Corrie currently airs for three hour-long episodes a week, whilst Emmerdale is four 30 minute episodes and one hour-long.

Helen Worth as Gail Rodwell asleep on a sofa in Coronation Street.
Helen Worth has also quit Coronation Street

Now just five 30-minute episodes of each show will air.

A source said: “Soaps are incredibly important to ITV and this is about preserving their longevity for the future.

“There has been a super squeeze in production costs and it was necessary to make changes but Corrie and Emmerdale both remain integral to ITV .”

They will screen a “soap power hour” as two back-to-back 30 minute episodes.

It will also air later in the day.

Insiders at the channel say it will help make both Emmerdale and Coronation Street more “streaming-friendly”.

It comes after a string of big name stars quit Coronation Street and many have called out the budget crisis which has left them struggling to make ends meet.

The new structure will launch with a huge stunt on both soaps.

A source added that ITV will still broadcast more hours of soap each week than any other channel.

Currently, Emmerdale airs six episodes per week, Monday to Friday with a double episode on Thursdays.

Coronation Street also airs six episodes per week, spread across Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with two episodes each night.

Schedules can sometimes change due to special events or seasonal adjustments.

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