Sony Settles PlayStation Digital Game Sales Lawsuit for $7.85 Million

Case Overview: Sony has reached a $7.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging antitrust violations in its sales of digital PlayStation games.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased digital PlayStation games through the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement in a case alleging antitrust violations in its sales of digital PlayStation games. The settlement addresses claims that Sony’s sales practices restricted competition, leading to higher prices for consumers who purchased games through the PlayStation Store.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, centered on Sony’s decision to prohibit third-party retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop from selling digital download codes for PlayStation games. Plaintiffs argued this policy change, implemented in April 2019, created a monopoly over digital game sales, preventing consumers from finding discounts and competitive pricing elsewhere.

Sony Accused of Monopolizing Digital Game Sales

The complaint claimed that Sony’s decision to ban game-specific vouchers eliminated competition in the digital gaming market. Before the change, customers could purchase these vouchers at retail stores, often at discounted prices. Plaintiffs alleged that by requiring all digital game purchases to occur directly through the PlayStation Store, Sony was able to charge inflated prices for games, leaving customers with no alternative purchasing options.

The settlement applies to approximately 4.4 million eligible individuals in the United States who purchased qualifying digital games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. The plaintiffs sought compensation for the higher costs they claimed to have incurred due to Sony’s practices.

Settlement Provides Credits to PlayStation Users

Under the terms of the agreement, class members will receive credits deposited into their PlayStation Network account wallets. These credits can be used for any content available in the PlayStation Store. Distribution will be pro-rata, meaning individual compensation will depend on the number of eligible games purchased during the covered period.

For those with inactive PlayStation Network accounts, Sony will establish an alternative claims process. A designated email address will allow these individuals to provide qualifying information and receive their settlement benefits.

The settlement awaits final approval from U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín. The court must also resolve any appeals before compensation can be distributed. According to settlement documents, credits will not be available to class members until at least April 1, 2025.

Sony has denied any liability or antitrust violations. The company stated in court documents that the settlement was agreed upon to avoid the costs and distractions of continued litigation. Both Sony and the plaintiffs’ legal teams have not provided public comments on the agreement.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys, who reported spending 13,700 hours on the case, plan to seek $2.61 million in legal fees, representing 33% of the total settlement amount. This request also requires court approval.

InjuryClaims.com will provide updates on the Sony Playstation settlement website's availability.

Other Antitrust Lawsuits in the Gaming Industry

The Sony settlement is not the only legal case in the gaming industry addressing competition and pricing practices. Valve Corporation, the company behind the popular Steam online game store, is also facing a class action  lawsuit accusing it of unfairly controlling game prices.

In August, four gamers filed a class action lawsuit against Valve in a Seattle federal court. The complaint alleges that Valve prevents game publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms, leaving consumers to pay higher costs for games on Steam. Plaintiffs in that case claim Valve’s pricing policies violate both state and federal consumer laws.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Agustin Caccuri et al v. Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Case Number: 3:21-cv-03361-AMO
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

•  Michael Buchman (Motley Rice)

Have you purchased digital PlayStation games through the PlayStation Store? Share your thoughts on the settlement in the comments below.