Sony reached a compromise, PlayStation Store users will be paid

The class action lawsuit filed regarding Sony’s sales policies through the PlayStation Store has moved to a new stage with the parties’ decision to compromise. In the case heard in the USA, the court gave preliminary approval to a settlement offer of approximately $ 7.85 million. In this context, it is planned that store credit will be reflected in the PlayStation Network accounts of users who purchase digital games between certain dates.

The process in question covers the period between April 2019 and December 2023. It is claimed that users who purchased digital games through PlayStation Store during this period encountered higher prices due to the elimination of alternative sales channels. In particular, Sony’s suspension of game codes and coupon sales offered through third-party sellers in 2019 was at the center of criticism on the grounds that it limited competition.

The case was first filed in May 2021 and it was claimed that Sony increased prices by restricting competition in the digital game market. The plaintiffs argued that players were denied access to more affordable prices through different retailers. It was stated that with the removal of alternative sales options offered by stores such as Best Buy and GameStop, users were directed directly to PlayStation Store. It was claimed that this situation prevented digital game prices from forming in a more flexible competitive environment.

How will the process for PlayStation Store users work?

It is stated that the number of users deemed eligible within the scope of the agreement exceeds 4.4 million. According to the information shared, accounts that purchase popular games such as The Last of Us, NBA 2K18 and Need for Speed ​​Rivals are also included in this scope. After final approval, it is envisaged that store credit will be allocated directly to the PSN accounts of eligible users. However, the details of the distribution plan will become clear with the court’s decision in the future.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the case has not yet been fully concluded. The court will hold a “Fairness Hearing” session on October 15. This session will evaluate whether the compromise will be finalized and how the funds will be distributed. For this reason, the exact date of possible uploads to users’ accounts is not yet clear.

Besides, this case in the USA is not the only legal process Sony is facing. A similar class action lawsuit filed in the United Kingdom also targets the company’s digital game and in-game content pricing policies. The case in England alleges that Sony charged its users more than it should have. It is stated that as a result of the case in question, the company may face a compensation payment that may reach billions of dollars.

In addition to all this, the sales policies implemented by platform owners in the digital game market have been a matter of debate for a long time. The closed ecosystem structure of console manufacturers directly affects the determination of content prices. This situation is questioned from time to time by users and regulatory bodies. Cases filed, such as the Sony example, provide important signals about how the competitive conditions in the industry will be shaped.