Sony hit with $2.7bn UK PlayStation users class action

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Japanese entertainment giant Sony is set to face a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) class-action lawsuit in London starting Tuesday, accused of violating competition laws by overcharging millions of PlayStation users in the UK. The legal claim alleges that Sony exploited its UK customers for nearly ten years by charging excessively for digital games and in-game purchases.

The plaintiffs’ website states that Sony has been engaging in these practices to the detriment of consumers, seeking to end such conduct and obtain compensation for those affected. Consumer advocate Alex Neill, leading the case on behalf of approximately 12.2 million users, told AFP that the goal is to stop the alleged unfair pricing.

The PlayStation Store serves as Sony’s official digital marketplace where gamers can purchase popular titles like “Gran Turismo” and “God of War,” along with major blockbusters such as “Call of Duty,” “GTA,” and “Assassin’s Creed” from various publishers. The claim suggests Sony holds a near-monopoly on digital game sales for its consoles, enabling the company to set prices and collect a 30% commission from game publishers.

Compared to PC game distribution platforms, which typically charge commissions between 12% and 20%, Sony’s allegedly higher charges are viewed as unreasonable. The plaintiffs argue that Sony’s pricing practices are disproportionately high compared to the actual costs of providing these services.

The upcoming trial will take place at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and is expected to last about ten weeks. The lawsuit, initiated in 2022, seeks damages totaling £1.97 billion, to be distributed among anyone who purchased digital games or add-ons through the PlayStation Store over the past decade up until February 2026, with some exceptions.

Under UK law, all individuals potentially affected by the case are automatically included in this class action and may receive compensation unless they choose to opt out. Sony has not responded immediately to AFP’s request for comment but defended its distribution model as justified.

This case follows a similar outcome last year when Apple lost a lawsuit in London for abusing its dominant market position by charging excessive fees on its App Store. Apple indicated plans to appeal the decision and could be required to reimburse millions of users.