Sony agrees to $7.85 million settlement over digital sales monopoly claims

Sony has reached a $7.85 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit in the United States concerning its digital sales practices.

The litigation alleged that Sony established a monopoly by terminating the sale of digital game-specific vouchers at third-party retailers in April 2019.

This move effectively forced consumers to purchase software exclusively through the PlayStation Store, frequently at higher prices than previously available.

A "fairness hearing" is currently scheduled for October 15, 2026, with credits to be distributed only after final court approval is granted.

To qualify for compensation, claimants must be residents of the United States who purchased a digital game on the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023.

Additionally, the specific title must have had a retail voucher sold at scale before April 2019, and its average price must have increased by at least $0.50 following the removal of retail competition.

Payouts, expected to range between $1 and $3 per eligible purchase, will be credited directly to users’ PSN wallets after legal fees are deducted from the fund.

Critics suggest the settlement represents only a small fraction of the profits Sony likely accrued by eliminating retail alternatives.

While this agreement marks a significant step in the United States, the tech giant continues to face similar legal challenges in the United Kingdom and Europe.

These ongoing disputes centre on Sony's control over its digital marketplace and the impact of its pricing structures on the global gaming community.