Sony Interactive Entertainment is preparing to disburse nearly $8 million to PlayStation customers through a class-action settlement addressing allegations of inflated digital game prices on the PlayStation Store. The resolution, which still requires court approval, stems from a lawsuit initially filed in 2024. The legal action contended that Sony maintained a monopoly over its digital storefront by restricting publishers' pricing control and preventing third-party retailers from selling digital download codes redeemable on the PlayStation platform. This effectively curtailed price competition, according to the suit.
As part of the settlement, Sony does not admit any wrongdoing. The agreement aims to resolve the claims and prevent a civil trial. If finalized by the court, the settlement will lead to the dismissal of the claims against Sony "with prejudice," barring future litigation on the same matter. The period covered by the settlement spans from April 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. During this time, individuals who purchased affected games digitally via the PlayStation Store are considered potentially eligible for compensation. The lawsuit's documentation lists numerous games, including titles such as Nier: Automata, Resident Evil 4, The Last of Us Remastered, and PlayStation Vita titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Killzone: Mercenary.