Sony Agrees to $7.85 Million Settlement for PlayStation Store Overcharging Claims
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of anti-competitive practices on the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleges that Sony monopolized the digital game market by discontinuing Game-Specific Vouchers (GSVs) in 2019 and subsequently raising digital game prices. This forced consumers to pay more than they would have if third-party retailer vouchers remained available. A federal court granted preliminary approval to the settlement in late April 2026. Approximately 4.4 million users who purchased eligible games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, may receive refunds directly to their PlayStation Network wallets after a final hearing scheduled for October 15, 2026. Eligible titles include popular games like NBA 2K18 and FIFA 17 that saw price increases exceeding 50 cents. While most users need not file claims, those with deactivated accounts must contact the settlement administrator by August 27, 2026. Users wishing to opt out must do so by July 2, 2026. This US settlement occurs alongside a separate, larger £2 billion lawsuit against Sony in the UK regarding similar pricing allegations.
Wire timeline
Sony Agrees to $7.85 Million Settlement for PlayStation Store Overcharging Claims
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of anti-competitive practices on the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleges that Sony monopolized the digital game market by discontinuing Game-Specific Vouchers (GSVs) in 2019 and subsequently raising digital game prices. This forced consumers to pay more than they would have if third-party retailer vouchers remained available. A federal court granted preliminary approval to the settlement in late April 2026. Approximately 4.4 million users who purchased eligible games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, may receive refunds directly to their PlayStation Network wallets after a final hearing scheduled for October 15, 2026. Eligible titles include popular games like NBA 2K18 and FIFA 17 that saw price increases exceeding 50 cents. While most users need not file claims, those with deactivated accounts must contact the settlement administrator by August 27, 2026. Users wishing to opt out must do so by July 2, 2026. This US settlement occurs alongside a separate, larger £2 billion lawsuit against Sony in the UK regarding similar pricing allegations.
PCMag.com - Technology Product Reviews, News, Prices & Tips