Sony Faces £2 Billion PlayStation Class Action Lawsuit in UK
Japanese entertainment giant Sony is defending a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) class action lawsuit in London, beginning Tuesday, March 11, 2026. The suit alleges that Sony breached competition law by overcharging millions of UK PlayStation users for digital games and in-game content France24.
Allegations of Exploitation and Monopoly
The claimants accuse Sony of “exploiting its UK customers” for nearly a decade by charging excessive prices for digital PlayStation games and add-on content. Consumer campaigner Alex Neill, representing an estimated 12.2 million users, stated the case aims to end this practice and secure compensation for those affected France24.
The lawsuit centers on the PlayStation Store, Sony’s official digital platform for purchasing games like “Gran Turismo” and “God of War,” as well as third-party titles such as “Call of Duty,” “GTA,” and “Assassin’s Creed.” Claimants argue that Sony holds a near-monopoly on digital game sales for its console, allowing it to dictate prices and impose a 30 percent sales commission on video game publishers France24.
Commission Comparison and In-Game Spending
The claimants point to PC game distribution platforms, which face greater competition, as examples of lower commission rates, typically ranging from 12 to 20 percent France24. They also allege that modern games are designed to encourage players, including children, to spend more money on in-game purchases to progress, unlock features, or customize their experience with fresh characters or weapons France24.
The lawsuit contends that Sony’s prices are disproportionate to the costs of providing these services to customers France24.
Trial Details and Potential Compensation
The trial is being held at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and is expected to last approximately 10 weeks. The lawsuit, launched in 2022, seeks £1.97 billion in damages, to be distributed among individuals who purchased digital games or add-on content through the PlayStation Store between February 2016 and February 2026, with some exceptions France24.
Under UK law, all potentially affected individuals are automatically included in the class action and may be eligible for compensation unless they actively opt out France24.
Previous Case and Sony’s Response
Sony did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the company has previously argued that its distribution model is justified France24. This case follows a similar lawsuit in London last year, where Apple lost a case for abusing its dominant position and charging excessive commissions on its App Store, potentially owing millions to users France24.