Sony PlayStation has been sued for a whopping £ 5 billion on charges of ” robbing ” nine million consumers. This is a class action against the company, launched by Alex Neill, who specifically deals with consumer rights.
According to the lawsuit, Sony violates competition rules by abusing its market power to impose unfair conditions on game developers and publishers, forcing higher prices for consumers.
The wording of the lawsuit explicitly states that Sony would “rob people” by adding a 30% commission on digital games and in-game purchases on the PlayStation Store. Over the past six years, consumers would have experienced a total price increase of around £ 5 billion on their purchases.
According to the lawsuit, filed via the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, anyone who has purchased digital games or add-ons on their console from the PlayStation Store since 19 August 2016 is entitled to receive compensation. The estimated damages for each member of the class action range between 67 and 562 pounds, interest excluded.
Alex Neill said of the lawsuit: ” Time to play for Sony PlayStation. With this lawsuit, I want to defend millions of people in the UK who have had to pay a premium price. We believe Sony has abused its position and robbed its customers. ”
” Video games are currently the largest entertainment industry in the UK, ahead of TV, film and music. Many vulnerable people rely on video games to build communities and connect with other people. Millions of people who can’t afford it are. paying for Sony stock, particularly now that we’re in the midst of a huge cost-of-living crisis and consumers’ pockets are being squeezed like never before. ”
Alex Neill availed herself of the legal advice of Milberg London LLP. According to Natasha Pearman, a partner in charge of the case, Sony has developed an anti-competitive strategy that has raised prices for consumers, disproportionate to the service offered.
It must be said that the 30% commission asked by Sony is practically a standard in the industry and it is the same that also ask Microsoft in its store, Steam (up to revenues of 10 million dollars), App Store and Google Play.