Sony Sued Over PS5 Game Prices on PlayStation Store

by

Sony has been formally taken to court over the pricing of digital PS4 and PS5 games on the PlayStation Store, following through on a previously announced intention by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, a Dutch non-profit organization that advocates for consumer rights in class action lawsuits. This group had previously hinted at such legal action back in February. Now, they have officially filed the lawsuit on behalf of Dutch PlayStation gamers.

For more than ten years, Sony, as per a Dutch organization’s report, has leveraged its dominance in the console market. As a result, it has kept other app stores from offering PlayStation digital games. Consequently, PlayStation users are limited to buying digital games exclusively from the PlayStation Store, which results in higher prices because of the absence of competition.

According to the organization’s statement on their website, “In the notice it issued, the foundation levels two primary criticisms at Sony: suppressing competition and taking advantage of consumers as well as game creators.” Here, the significant influence of the PlayStation is evident in both instances.

The Dutch organization explains that the PlayStation system operates like a self-contained environment (referred to as a ‘walled garden’), where Sony decides who can gain access, under what terms, and at what cost. Essentially, other online stores are unable to function within the PlayStation ecosystem, thus making players entirely reliant on Sony for their gaming choices.

This isn’t the first time Sony and other gaming companies have faced this particular argument. The question remains: what might happen as a result? A hearing on this matter is scheduled for later this year, and if the Dutch court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Sony could be compelled to allow other providers access to digital PlayStation content sales. If the Dutch organization succeeds, similar lawsuits may follow across Europe, potentially leading to major changes for Sony. This situation bears resemblance to the loot box controversy from previous years. In such cases, when a company is faced with being excluded from multiple markets, it often has no choice but to comply with the demands, even if they originate from only a few regions.

Currently, Sony has yet to make a public statement regarding this lawsuit. Should there be any new developments, we will promptly update our report. In the interim, for comprehensive coverage on everything PlayStation – such as the latest news about both PS4 and PS5, the most recent rumors and leaks, and the best deals available – simply click here.

Read More

2025-06-27 23:40