The legal claim is a class action against the gaming company, brought by consumer rights champion Alex Neill. It accuses the company of breaching competition law by abusing its market power to impose unfair terms and conditions on game developers and publishers, driving up prices for consumers. It allegedly “riped people off” by charging a 30% commission on every digital game and in-game purchase made through the PlayStation Store. Consumers have been overcharged for their digital game purchases by up to £5 billion over the past six years, the legal action says. According to the claim filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal on Friday, anyone in the UK who has purchased digital games or additional content on their console or through the PlayStation Store since August 19, 2016 is included in the claim and potentially entitled to compensation. The estimated damages per individual class member are between £67 and £562 excluding interest. “The game is ready for the Sony PlayStation,” Ms Neill said. “With this legal action I am standing up for the millions of Britons who were unwittingly overcharged. We believe that Sony abused its position and ripped off its customers. “Gaming is now the biggest entertainment industry in the UK, ahead of TV, video and music and many vulnerable people rely on gaming for community and connection. Sony’s actions are costing millions of people who cannot afford it finances, particularly when we “We are in the midst of a cost of living crisis and the consumer’s wallet is being squeezed like never before.” Alex Neill is advised by law firm Milberg London LLP. Read more on Sky News: Gaming athletes face same level of mental stress as athletes in other sports ‘Breakthrough’ new smart glasses to be tested by nurses The partner leading the case, Natasha Pearman, said: “Sony dominates the digital distribution of PlayStation games and in-game content; it has developed an anti-competitive strategy that has resulted in excessive prices to customers that are disproportionate to Sony’s costs provides its services. This claim is only possible because of the collective action exemption regime introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. a regime that Alex fought to introduce. We look forward to working with Alex and ensuring that the scheme achieves its objectives of protecting and redressing consumers.” The action is being funded by Woodsford – a specialist group of litigation and arbitration experts who invest in large commercial claims – so class members will not have to pay the costs of the suit themselves. PlayStation has been contacted for comment.
