Amsterdam, June 25, 2025 – Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the powerhouse behind the PlayStation console, is facing a significant legal challenge in the Netherlands. A class-action lawsuit filed yesterday alleges the company abuses its dominant market position, leading to "artificially inflated" prices for digital PlayStation games sold through its mandatory online store.
The claim, spearheaded by Dutch consumer advocate Massa Schade Consument (Mass Consumer Damage) and their legal representative, the firm Benoît, accuses Sony of operating a monopoly within the PlayStation ecosystem. The core argument hinges on Sony's strict policy that locks consumers into purchasing digital games only through the PlayStation Store (PS Store), effectively blocking competition from other potential digital retailers.
The Alleged Mechanism of High Prices:
The lawsuit contends this closed system allows Sony to impose a hefty standard 30% commission fee on every digital game and add-on sold. Critics, including the plaintiffs, argue this fee is significantly higher than what would exist in a competitive market and is ultimately passed directly onto consumers. The result, according to the claim, is that Dutch gamers consistently pay more for digital PlayStation games than they should.
Embedded Source: For detailed discussion and community reaction, see the thread on ResetEra: Sony PlayStation sued in the Netherlands in class action lawsuit over 'artificially high' PlayStation prices
"Sony dominates the sale of digital games for PlayStation consoles," stated Alex Bénicourt, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs. "By refusing to allow any other digital stores on its platform, Sony has created a captive audience. This lack of competition allows them to charge excessive commissions to game developers, which inevitably leads to higher prices for consumers. We believe this constitutes an abuse of a dominant position under Dutch and European competition law."
The lawsuit seeks compensation for potentially millions of Dutch PlayStation owners who purchased digital games or downloadable content (DLC) since at least 2019. The estimated damages claimed amount to a substantial €500 million.
The Lead Plaintiff:
The case is brought on behalf of a Dutch PlayStation owner identified only as "Erik." Court documents state Erik purchased several digital games through the PS Store and believes he paid significantly more than he would have in a competitive market. He represents the broader class of affected Dutch consumers.
Sony's Position (So Far):
Sony has not yet issued a public statement regarding the specific allegations in the Dutch lawsuit. Historically, platform holders like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have defended their digital store commissions as necessary to fund platform development, security, online services, and marketing support provided to game publishers.
Industry Context:
This lawsuit echoes ongoing global scrutiny of the "walled garden" approach and commission rates charged by major digital storefront operators, including Apple and Google with their mobile app stores. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) specifically targets such practices, aiming to force "gatekeeper" platforms to open up to competition. While the DMA primarily impacts very large online platforms, its principles resonate with the arguments presented in this Dutch case against Sony's PlayStation Store model.
What Happens Next:
The District Court of Amsterdam will now need to formally assess the admissibility of the class action. If admitted, the case will proceed, involving evidence gathering, expert testimonies on market dynamics and pricing, and potentially, a trial. The process is likely to be lengthy.
Dutch Source: The official announcement from Massa Schade Consument (in Dutch) can be found here: Sony gedagvaard in collectieve rechtszaak om kunstmatig hoge PlayStation-prijzen
Potential Impact:
A successful outcome for the plaintiffs could force Sony to change its digital distribution model in the Netherlands, potentially opening the door to competing stores on PlayStation consoles and leading to lower prices for digital games. It could also set a precedent for similar actions in other European countries or globally. For now, Dutch PlayStation gamers await the court's next steps, hoping for a ruling that might put money back in their pockets and increase competition in the digital gaming market.
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