PS Store prices are so expensive that Sony is getting another lawsuit because of that | rssama.com

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A Dutch consumer group, Massaschade & Consument, has filed a class-action lawsuit against Sony, accusing the company of unfairly inflating prices for digital PlayStation games on PS Store, although it recently reached its highest share price in almost 25 years.

The foundation’s research shows (via Tweakers, as translated by a member of ResetEra forum) that digital versions of games are, on average, 47% more expensive than physical copies, even though Sony’s distribution costs are lower.

According to the group, Sony’s control over the PlayStation Store, where games and content can only be purchased digitally, results in what they call “artificially high prices.” Unlike platforms like the Microsoft Store or Epic Games Store, PlayStation owners can’t buy games from third-party retailers, giving Sony a monopoly over digital sales.

Lucia Melcherts, chairman of the foundation, stated, “Sony is behaving like a monopolist in more ways than one. Game developers often have to agree to the terms Sony imposes on them, including the price at which their games are sold, despite Sony’s lower costs.” The foundation argues that Sony’s actions violate European competition laws, which are designed to protect consumers from dominant companies.

The lawsuit is part of broader legal action against Sony, with similar cases underway in Portugal and the UK. If the court approves the lawsuit, Sony could be forced to allow other sellers to offer PlayStation games. Dutch PlayStation users who have purchased content from the PlayStation Store can join the collective claim for free. The first court hearing is expected later this year.

Rafly is a reporter with years of journalistic experience, ranging from technology, business, social, and culture. Currently reporting news on Microsoft-related products, tech, and AI on MSPowerUser. Got a tip? Send it to [email protected]