Sony faces class action lawsuit over "artificially high" PlayStation Store pricing in the Netherlands

Sony is facing a new class action lawsuit filed by the Dutch consumer group, Massaschade & Consument, accusing the tech giant of maintaining artificially high prices on the PlayStation Store and abusing its market power by restricting where digital PS4 and PS5 games can be purchased.

The details:

• First reported by "Tweakers," the lawsuit headlines with a stark warning to consumers: "You’re Paying Too Much for PlayStation Games." Legal representatives for the consumer group formally contacted Sony on February 17, accusing the company of exploiting its dominant position in the gaming industry, which, they note, has grown to outpace the film, TV, and music industries combined.
• Dutch residents who have made any digital purchase from the PlayStation Store since November 29, 2013, can register for the lawsuit at no cost. The registration process simply requires filling out a form and confirming at least one digital transaction during the specified period.
• This isn't the first time Sony has been targeted for its pricing strategies. In November 2023, the company faced a significant £5 billion class action in the UK over similar issues, with the latest developments still unfolding as of mid-2024.

Other PlayStation news:

• Sony court filings in response to a $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit allege Destiny 2 and Marathon reboot director Christopher Bartlett had "disturbing communications" with female subordinates.
• The biggest announcements and reveals at PlayStation's February State of Play included Borderlands 4, Days Gone Remastered, Saros, Lost Souls Aside, and many more.