Consumer champion Alex Neil has launched a £2 billion lawsuit against Sony, claiming the company overcharged UK customers for games and in-game purchases over a six-year period.
If the claim is successful, Brits who owned a PlayStation console between August 19, 2016, and August 19, 2022, could be in for a payout of around £162.
What is the claim against Sony about?
Ms Neil, via the website PlayStation You Owes Us, explains: “Essentially, since at least 19 August 2016, we believe that Sony has been exploiting its UK customers, by charging them too much for PlayStation digital games and in-game content via its control over the entire PlayStation ecosystem.”
She adds that while companies making a profit isn’t wrong, “unlawful behaviour at the expense of their customers is”.
The claim says Sony used its “near monopoly on the sale of digital games and add-on content through its control of the PlayStation Store” to enforce strict terms and conditions.
As a result, the company set excessive and unfair prices, which Ms Neil believes to be a breach of competition law.
How PlayStation owners can claim to receive £162
If you owned a PlayStation console between August 19, 2016, and August 19, 2022, and purchased a digital game or made an in-game purchase, you are entitled to be a part of the claim against Sony and could receive around £162.
Ms Neil said: “We estimate that the damages in this claim is £2bn, before interest.
“If our claim is successful, the amount Sony owes to Class Members will be assessed by the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
“The current estimated damages per individual Class Member is £122 excluding interest, and £162 including interest.”
The good news is, you don’t have to do anything to claim the money back.
If you qualify, you will automatically be included in the claim and receive the appropriate compensation.
It is estimated that around 12.2 million PlayStation users in the UK will be able to claim compensation via this lawsuit.
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When can PlayStation owners expect payment?
Ms Neil said her and lawyers Milberg London LLP would be pushing Sony to settle “as soon as possible so that consumers get their money back in a timely manner”.
However, if Sony refuses to settle, a trial will begin on March 2, 2026 (estimated to run for around 10 weeks).
For more information and to sign up to receive updates on the claim, visit the PlayStation You Owe Us website (a link to which can be found above).
