Sony accused of overcharging for PlayStation games in Dutch lawsuit

by

In the Netherlands, Sony is under legal scrutiny as a consumer organization alleges that Sony has been charging gamers excessively for digital PlayStation games.

The team argues that Sony artificially increases the prices of games sold on the PlayStation Store, sometimes by approximately 47%, when compared to their physical counterparts.

According to Stichting Massaschade & Consument, the organization responsible for this case, it’s been estimated that Dutch gamers have collectively overpaid by approximately €435 million on games since 2013. They contend that Sony’s decision to prohibit third-party digital game codes and emphasize diskless PS5 consoles has left players with no alternative but to purchase from Sony’s own store.

Dutch group suing Sony for establishing “Sony tax”

It’s suggested that this configuration allows Sony to overcharge, often referred to as a “Sony premium.” The criticism points out that digital games ought to be less expensive due to the absence of physical production and delivery expenses. However, surprisingly, the price has increased instead.

Evidence suggests that Sony holds a strong lead in the Dutch gaming market, as roughly 8 out of 10 console users opt for PlayStation. This market dominance, according to the company, enables them to restrict competition and maintain higher pricing.

The legal action arises from Sony’s 2019 choice to discontinue the sale of digital codes via other merchants. Critics argue that this step adversely affected both fair market competition and consumers.

1) The collective is seeking refunds for impacted customers, as well as modifications in Sony’s management of their digital marketplace. Possible alterations might involve enabling other businesses to distribute digital PlayStation games on the platform, or compelling Sony to reduce their pricing.

It’s worth noting that Sony has encountered a similar legal issue before. Specifically, in August of 2022, Alex Neill, a UK consumer rights advocate, initiated a lawsuit challenging Sony’s 30% commission on digital sales. As of now, this case is still being pursued in court.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m keeping an eye on the ongoing legal situation in the Netherlands. Sony hasn’t spoken up yet, but we’re looking at a court date set for late 2025. The verdict could potentially reshape the digital game market across Europe and even influence how much gamers like me end up spending.

Read More

2025-06-26 14:48