Sony is facing a $7.9 billion lawsuit over PlayStation game prices in court

the Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) It is facing a major legal challenge in the United Kingdom, where it faces a lawsuit worth up to $7.9 billion! The lawsuit, which began last year, accuses the company of exploiting its dominant position in the market through… PlayStation StoreResulting in higher prices for consumers. A London court in a recent ruling allowed the lawsuit, which was brought on behalf of nearly 9 million UK consumers who purchased digital games or downloadable content through the PlayStation Store, to go ahead.

The case is being led by consumer lawyer Alex Neal, who has a proven track record of being involved in similar cases. The lawsuit estimates damages at $6.23 billion, plus interest, with total potential damages reaching $7.9 billion, according to recent court filings.

Neil’s argument centers around Sony’s policy of selling digital games and downloadable content exclusively through the PlayStation Store, which charges a 30% commission to developers and publishers. This allegedly resulted in higher prices for consumers.

In response, Sony’s legal team responded to the lawsuit, saying it was fundamentally flawed and demanding it be dismissed outright. The company’s lawyers point out that the basis of the lawsuit and its objections are unjustified. However, the Competition Appeal Tribunal decided that the issue needed further study. However, the court ruled that people who made purchases from the PlayStation Store after the lawsuit was filed in 2022 should not be included as plaintiffs.

Following the court’s decision, Alex Neil stressed that the decision represents an important first step towards securing appropriate compensation for consumers. So far, Sony has not issued any official response to the latest developments in the case.

Naturally, all eyes are now turning to the trial, as we have seen many similar attempts recently. For example, Apple sued Epic Games for the same reason, because it did not allow iPhone owners to get apps from elsewhere, outside of its own store. Also putting pressure on this front is the European Union, which will soon force Apple to allow sideloading, through its Digital Markets Act.