The Sony PlayStation UK class action lawsuit is set to begin in London, with claimants alleging Sony overcharged millions of UK PlayStation users for digital games and in-game content through the PlayStation Store.
Consumer campaigner Alex Neill, bringing the case on behalf of an estimated 12.2 million users, said the action aims to end the alleged conduct and secure compensation for those affected.
The case argues Sony’s pricing on the PlayStation Store has been “too much” for nearly a decade, as the platform is the primary route for buying PlayStation digital games and add-on content.
Sony PlayStation UK Class Action Lawsuit: What Claimants Allege
Claimants argue Sony holds a near-monopoly over digital game sales on PlayStation consoles, enabling it to dictate prices.
They also allege Sony charges a 30% sales commission to publishers on PlayStation Store sales. By comparison, the claimants say PC distribution platforms typically charge lower commissions of around 12% to 20%, reflecting stronger competition.
The claimants further argue that Sony’s prices are disproportionate to the costs of providing the digital store services.
Trial Timeline, Damages, and Who Is Covered
The trial is due to be heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and is expected to last around 10 weeks.
The lawsuit, launched in 2022, is seeking £1.97 billion in damages. The claim is intended to cover people who purchased digital games or add-on content via the PlayStation Store in the decade leading up to February 2026, with limited exceptions.
Under UK law, potentially affected individuals are included by default in this type of class action and may benefit from compensation unless they opt out.
Read: Xbox Project Helix next-gen console specs and release rumours
Sony did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment, according to the report. In its defence, Sony argues its distribution model is justified.
The report also notes that Apple lost a separate London case last year involving allegations of abusing a dominant position and charging excessive commissions on its App Store, a decision Apple has said it plans to appeal.
