Sony Faces $5.9-Billion Lawsuit For Overcharging Customers On PlayStation Store

Anyone who purchased digital games or add-on content via the PlayStation Store between August 19, 2016, to date will stand a chance to avail of the compensation.

Sony, the Japanese tech giant that brings out PlayStation games and consoles, has been sued for £5 billion (roughly $5.9 billion) by consumer rights advocate Alex Neill for “exploiting its UK customers, by charging them too much for PlayStation digital games and in-game content via its control over the PlayStation ecosystem.” As first reported by Sky News, game developers and publishers are slapped with unfair terms and conditions by Sony to drive up prices for customers. The legal claim states that consumers have been overcharged over the last six years.

Neill took to Twitter on August 22 to share details on the legal claim against Sony. As per a FAQ on the official claim website playstationyouoweus.co.uk, Sony is said to have been exploiting customers “since at least 19 August 2016”. The claim, which is a collective action, has been filed against Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited, Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited, and Sony Interactive Entertainment UK Limited.

The FAQ states that “anyone who purchased digital games or add-on content via the PlayStation Store between 19 August 2016 to date” is a part of the claim and stands a chance to avail of the compensation, apart from “some limited exceptions”.

“The claim is being pursued on behalf of 8.9 million UK customers, to protect consumers' rights and welfare, prevent Sony from continuing to extract excessive prices from its customers, and seek compensation for the overpayments that they have made. We want to ensure that a level-playing field is established so that Sony can no longer charge excessive prices and that competition is introduced,” the FAQ added. “We believe that Sony’s control of the PlayStation platform has led to detrimental effects for consumers, including stifling innovation and competition, and charging higher prices.”

The FAQ said that Sony will be encouraged to settle the claim as soon as possible “so that consumers get their money in a timely manner.” If the company refuses, it could be “several years” before compensation can be secured.