Sony Faces Legal Challenge Over PlayStation Game Pricing

A collective legal action targets Sony, alleging inflated prices for digital PlayStation games. This case, involving thousands of participants, could result in significant financial repercussions for the tech giant, impacting many gamers.

Lawsuit Overview

A consumer claim organization contends that Sony overcharges for PlayStation games in its digital store. Since the claim’s announcement in February, roughly 22,000 individuals have joined the collective action, according to the foundation’s reports. The organization seeks to recover between €135 million and €435 million on behalf of nearly 1.7 million Dutch PlayStation owners.

According to the organization, the most sought-after games for PlayStation 4 and 5 are notably more expensive in the digital store compared to physical discs. The group claims that digital versions of PlayStation games can exclusively be purchased through Sony’s webshop, the PlayStation Store. This lack of competition allows Sony to set higher prices.

“The first session will probably take a while.”

— Foundation Spokesperson

The lawsuit highlights the debate over digital versus physical game prices; the average price of a new game is up 40% since 2019 (Statista, 2024).

The Case’s Origins

The claim arises from the assertion that Sony has a monopoly on digital game sales for its popular consoles. This situation allows the company to set prices without competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers. The first court session is anticipated later this year.