Sony Faces $7.9 Billion Lawsuit Over PlayStation Store Monopoly Claims

Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing a class action lawsuit worth $7.9 billion or £6.3 billion. This suit criticized the practices at the PlayStation Store and represents almost nine million players.

If this case is allowed to move forward, Sony will be forced to shoulder a hefty penalty. In any case, the London Tribunal said the suit was filed by a consumer rights advocate.

The Complaint Against Sony Interactive

According to Reuters, SIE was sued last year by an advocate on behalf of the players in the United Kingdom. These individuals purchased digital games and add-on items via Sony’s PlayStation Store and in the suit, it was claimed that the company took advantage of its dominant position in the industry by requiring players to buy the games and add-ons only at the PlayStation Store.

It was reported that the digital store typically charges a 30% commission to game publishers and developers. For this unfair practice, Alex Neill, a consumer advocate, brought Sony to the court.

In a court filing last month, Neill’s legal team stated that the estimated cumulative damages related to the lawsuit can reach £6.3 billion. The plaintiff stressed that Sony Interactive used its position to collect more money from the sales on PlayStation Store which is the only place where players can buy the items.

The Case May or May Not Proceed

Then again, there is still no guarantee that the lawsuit against Sony Interactive Entertainment may continue. The lawsuit claimed that the PlayStation Store is over-charging customers for DLC items and digital games, and Sony has made attempts for the court to dismiss the case.

Since Sony's lawyers can succeed in their effort for the suit to be thrown out, it still has a chance to gain the upper hand in the case. Then again, IGN Southeast Asia reported that the tribunal has already allowed the case to continue.

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