Sony has agreed to a $7.8 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit regarding digital game purchases. The case centers on allegations that Sony monopolized the market for digital games through the PlayStation Store.
The lawsuit, filed in May 2021, claimed that Sony’s actions led to higher prices for digital games. It accused the company of limiting third-party retailers from selling digital download codes starting in April 2019.
Eligible consumers must have purchased specific Sony video games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Compensation may be provided as PlayStation Network account credits instead of cash.
The court has scheduled a fairness hearing for October 15, 2026, to finalize the settlement. More than 4.4 million PlayStation Network accounts are estimated to be eligible for compensation.
Sony denied any wrongdoing in the lawsuit. The company stated that it acted within legal boundaries while competing in the digital gaming market.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about monopolistic practices in the digital gaming market. Critics argue that such practices stifle competition and harm consumers.
