Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is facing yet another legal challenge, this time from the Dutch consumer foundation Massaschade & Consument. The foundation has filed a lawsuit against Sony, accusing the company of maintaining “artificially high prices” on its PlayStation Store by restricting digital game purchases to its own platform and blocking third-party retailers from selling digital codes.
According to a report from Dutch outlet Tweakers (translated by VibrantStorm on ResetEra), the foundation claims that Sony is abusing its dominant position in the console market to inflate digital game prices.
Unlike competitors such as Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S, which allow digital games to be purchased via codes from third-party retailers, PlayStation games are exclusively available digitally through the PS Store.
The foundation’s research found that digital PlayStation games are priced an average of 47% higher than their physical counterparts, despite Sony having lower distribution costs for digital products.
This closed ecosystem, combined with Sony’s market dominance, has led to what the foundation describes as “artificially high prices” for consumers.
What’s at Stake?
The lawsuit seeks to hold Sony accountable for its pricing practices and potentially force the company to open its digital marketplace to third-party sellers. If successful, this could lead to more competitive pricing for digital PlayStation games, benefiting consumers.
Dutch PlayStation users who have made purchases on the PS Store can join the collective claim for free. The first court hearing is expected to take place later this year.
A Growing Trend of Legal Challenges
This is not the first time Sony has faced legal action over its digital store practices. Similar lawsuits have been filed in Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the UK, the Competition Appeals Court greenlit a case against Sony, emphasizing that market-dominant companies must ensure fair competition under the law.
What’s Next?
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Sony and the gaming industry as a whole. If the court rules in favor of the Dutch consumer foundation, Sony may be forced to allow third-party sellers to offer digital PlayStation games, potentially disrupting its current business model.
For now, PlayStation users and industry watchers will have to wait and see how the legal proceedings unfold. Will Sony finally be compelled to open its digital marketplace to competition? Only time will tell.
