PS5 Maker Faces Lawsuit Over So-Called 'Sony Tax' on Digital Games

Image: Push Square

Sony has been accused in the Netherlands of having a monopoly over the price of digital games on its PS Store. In what could become a headache for the company, a class action lawsuit claims that it’s violating Dutch and European competition laws by not allowing third-party retailers to sell digital game codes.

According to the Dutch Mass Claims and Consumer Foundation (Massaschade & Consument Foundation), digital versions of PS5 and PS4 games cost, on average, 47% more than their physical counterparts. This is despite digital distribution eliminating the need for manufacturing, storage, packaging, and logistics.

But the main issue is that Sony doesn’t allow third-party retailers to sell digital game codes, eliminating competition entirely. While you can purchase PS Store credit from various stores, it’s not possible to buy full digital download codes for specific titles, eliminating competition entirely.

It used to be possible to purchase full game downloads from various different stores, but the Japanese giant eradicated this practice in 2019. According to the lawsuit, this has resulted in a so-called “Sony tax”, whereby the manufacturer has full control over the prices on its digital marketplace.

“Sony behaves like a monopolist in more ways than one,” Lucia Melcherts, chair of the Massaschade & Consument Foundation, criticised. “PlayStation players continue to pay top dollar, even for games that are years old.”