The UK is suing Sony PlayStation for £5 billion over claims that the company “ripped off its customers” with exorbitantly priced games and in-game purchases.
Nearly nine million gamers may get compensation as a result of the class action lawsuit, which is being lead by consumer rights activist Alex Neill.
It asserts that Sony PlayStation violated competition law by placing onerous restrictions and conditions on game publishers and developers and raising pricing.
The game is over, Ms. Neill said. PlayStation by Sony has not yet responded.
According to the complaint, which was submitted to the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the gaming company used its dominant position to force terms and conditions on game publishers and developers, including a 30% commission on all digital games and in-game purchases made through the PlayStation Store website.
The legal case claims Sony PlayStation’s actions have driven up prices for consumers, resulting in customers being “unwittingly overcharged” for digital gaming purchases by up to a total of £5bn over the past six years.
The estimated damages per individual in the claim is said to be between £67 and £562.
It applies to any customer who has purchased digital games or add-on content on their console or through the PlayStation Store since August 2016.
