Alex Neill, the ex-managing director of Which UK, has filed a legal claim against Sony with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, accusing the format holder of “ripping people off” on the PlayStation Store.
The claim states that Sony is in breach of competition law by charging a 30% commission on digital games and in-game purchases via its flagship store. It is further being accused of abusing market power by imposing unfair terms and conditions on developers and publishers.
As a result, consumers have reportedly been overcharged by as much as £5 billion. Anyone who has purchased content on the PS Store since August 16, 2016 in the UK is included in the claim and is potentially tented to compensation, which totals some nine million people.
Estimated damages per claimant therefore total anywhere between £67 — £562, not counting interest.
Neill commented:
The game is up for Sony PlayStation. With this legal action I am standing up for the millions of UK people who have been unwittingly overcharged. We believe Sony has 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. The actions of Sony is costing millions of people who can’t afford it, particularly when we’re in the midst of a cost of living crisis and the consumer purse is being squeezed like never before.”