Sony’s PlayStation Settlement Rejected by U.S. Judge
Gamers to receive pennies from $7.85M offer as court scrutinizes voucher plan
A proposed settlement designed to resolve a class-action lawsuit against Sony over its PlayStation digital game sales has been thrown out by a U.S. judge. Gamers had sued Sony, alleging monopolistic practices restricted game purchases to the PlayStation Store, leading to inflated prices.
Court Cites Inadequate Terms in Settlement Rejection
Sony’s attempt to settle the claims involved distributing $7.85 million in PlayStation Store vouchers to eligible gamers. However, with an estimated 4.4 million individuals signing the class-action complaint, each claimant would receive a meager $1.80. The court expressed dissatisfaction, noting that such “coupon” compensation is often poorly received and that Sony failed to clearly outline the voucher distribution structure.
In its defense, Sony maintained it sought the settlement to mitigate further legal expenses and redirect focus away from the ongoing litigation, rather than admitting any wrongdoing. This rejection means the legal battle may continue.
Past Digital Sales Controversies
In 2021, a similar lawsuit targeted Sony for its alleged control over digital game purchases on PlayStation consoles. This situation echoes broader discussions in the gaming industry regarding platform exclusivity and digital storefront policies. For instance, a 2023 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlighted the increasing dominance of digital sales in the gaming market, raising questions about competition and consumer choice (GAO, 2023).
The court’s decision underscores the importance of clear, equitable, and well-defined settlement terms in consumer protection cases. The ultimate resolution for the gamers involved remains uncertain as the lawsuit progresses.
