Sony Faces Mass Lawsuit Worth $7.9 Billion Over PlayStation Store Prices
LONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) – On Tuesday, a London tribunal ruled that Sony (6758.T) must face a mass lawsuit worth up to 6.3 billion pounds ($7.9 billion) over allegations that the PlayStation maker abused its dominant position, leading to unfair prices for customers.
The lawsuit was brought against Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) on behalf of nearly nine million people in the United Kingdom who had purchased digital games or add-on content through Sony’s PlayStation Store.
Consumer advocate Alex Neill is behind the case, alleging that Sony abused its dominant position by requiring digital games and add-ons to be bought and sold only via the PlayStation Store, which charges a 30% commission to developers and publishers. Neill claims that customers have therefore paid higher prices for games and add-on content than they would have otherwise.
Sony’s lawyers argued that the case was “flawed from start to finish” and should be dismissed. However, the Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that Neill’s case could continue.
Following the ruling, Neill stated that it was “the first step in ensuring consumers get back what they’re owed.” Sony did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Aurora Ellis