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[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Here's the English machine translation of the article as the original source is in Dutch:

The Dutch consumer foundation Massaschade & Consument has filed a class action lawsuit against Sony for alleged abuse of its market position in the digital sales of PlayStation games.

Research by the foundation found that digital games cost an average of 47 percent more than their physical equivalents, while Sony's distribution costs are actually lower. The foundation argues that the closed ecosystem of the PlayStation Store, combined with Sony's dominant position in the console market, leads to what it calls "artificially high prices." Unlike platforms like the Microsoft Store or Epic Games Store, PlayStation owners can only purchase games and content through Sony's own store.

The case follows similar legal proceedings in Portugal and the United Kingdom, where the Competition Appeal Court recently gave the green light for a lawsuit. Under EU competition rules, market-dominant companies have additional responsibilities not to distort competition.

Dutch PlayStation users who have made purchases in the PlayStation Store can join the class action free of charge . The first court hearing is expected later this year. If the claim is granted, Sony could be forced to open up its digital market to other providers.

Nederlandse stichting start massaclaim tegen Sony om prijzen PlayStation Store

De Nederlandse consumentenstichting Massaschade & Consument heeft een collectieve rechtszaak aangespannen tegen Sony vanwege vermeend misbruik van zijn marktpositie in de digitale verkoop van PlayStation-games.

tweakers.net

 

[MrTroubleMaker]

 

[Z O N E]

I mean, it was bound to happen and good. This would be a win for consumers.

 

[BlackTron]

Meh...not feeling it.

When Sony has to open up PS to other stores, it just becomes a PC. They lose the aspect of tailoring the experience that makes it Playstation. Also, it's for playing games, not a vital everyday device like a phone (Apple). If it's too expensive, buy something else and let the market correct itself.

Edit: Wait I guess I didn't understand. This isn't about allowing other stores on Playstation, it's just about allowing redemption of keys sold by third party resellers, which can be done on Xbox and Switch already. In fact, I didn't know it wasn't possible on PS until now.

 

[Trogdor1123]

Can you buy ps5 digital codes there? I do wish that was everywhere

 

[Ar¢tos]

Is this specific to 1st party games?
Because otherwise it doesn't make sense, since publishers set the prices, not Sony. Sony only recommends prices, but the final decision is up to the publisher.

 

[Hudo]

Good.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

They would leave the Netherlands before they opened up to other digital stores on PlayStation...

Less than 20 million people live in the Netherlands...

 

[Digital-Aftertaste]

Meh...not feeling it.

When Sony has to open up PS to other stores, it just becomes a PC. They lose the aspect of tailoring the experience that makes it Playstation. Also, it's for playing games, not a vital everyday device like a phone (Apple). If it's too expensive, buy something else and let the market correct itself.

Opinions can be both good and bad... What's important is to not take the bad ones to heart.

 

[violence]

Ja Ja

(insert Goldmember GIF)

 

[Fabieter]

It doesn't make sense for consoles to have multiple stores on it. Iam all for cheaper prices but it kills the whole purpose of the console industry.

 

[Hookshot]

Is this because they don't allow third parties to sell digital codes for psn or because they want entire rival stores on playstation?

 

[adamsapple]

 

[Guilty_AI]

I think this only holds any ground if Sony controls the pricing of all games sold through the PS store. I remember reading that they do but i'm not 100% sure.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Horseshit bluesky lawsuit by losers. The red wind of communism wafts off this shit heavily. It will fail even there.

Also what other platform can I use to buy games cheaper on my Xbox? Do tell. Inept, obtuse lawsuit designed to appeal to the ignorant and misinformed. Throw shit at wall and hope it sticks lawsuit.

They suing Nintendo too?

 

[Z O N E]

Is this specific to 1st party games?
Because otherwise it doesn't make sense, since publishers set the prices, not Sony. Sony only recommends prices, but the final decision is up to the publisher.

This is because they don't allow 3rd party game keys, hence why they can control the price of the game.

You can buy game keys from other stores for Xbox and Switch, but not for PS.

 

[Aenima]

Is this specific to 1st party games?
Because otherwise it doesn't make sense, since publishers set the prices, not Sony. Sony only recommends prices, but the final decision is up to the publisher.

No, its because Sony dont sell codes for digital games through other retailers. Other retailers sell PSN cards with credits though.

I just find it dumb that a Comsumer foundation wants more digital offerings instead of pushing for the preservation of Physical media. Consumers dont own anything digital.

 

[Ar¢tos]

This is because they don't allow 3rd party game keys, hence why they can control the price of the game.

You can buy game keys from other stores for Xbox and Switch, but not for PS.

Ah, like they did in the past selling game codes. I miss those days.

 

[Dorago]

Digital games go on sale for cheaper than physical ever could.

This is just going to screw us of those great deal and have no effect on how much a "product" with literally zero scarcity costs.

 

[ArtHands]

This is because they don't allow 3rd party game keys, hence why they can control the price of the game.

You can buy game keys from other stores for Xbox and Switch, but not for PS.

Exactly. The lawsuit is referring to buying digital games from Amazon, Best Buy, Game Stop, Target etc. You can find digital Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC games on them but not Playstation games. Which the fanboys here are trying to distort the narrative into asking Sony to open up their consoles to other game publisher platforms.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

There was a similar case in the US (thanks Idas), and Sony settled:

- Sony To Pay $7.8M To 4M PlayStation Gamers In Antitrust Fight: Sony Interactive Entertainment will pay $7.85 million to more than 4 million gamers to settle a proposed class action accusing the company of overcharging PlayStation Store customers via a monopoly on downloadable game cards, according to a motion for preliminary approval filed Friday in California federal court.

 

[Magic Carpet]

There was a similar case in the US (thanks Idas), and Sony settled:

- Sony To Pay $7.8M To 4M PlayStation Gamers In Antitrust Fight: Sony Interactive Entertainment will pay $7.85 million to more than 4 million gamers to settle a proposed class action accusing the company of overcharging PlayStation Store customers via a monopoly on downloadable game cards, according to a motion for preliminary approval filed Friday in California federal court.

Ths only 375,000 games sold with the usual 30% cut. How many Concords worth of sales is that?

 

[MMaRsu]

Good

 

[MMaRsu]

Imagine spending 80€ on a digital release when the physical version is 60€ at retail stores.

Arrogant Sony knows no bounds

 

[Fake]

And people say 'digital is cheaper than physical'.

 

[nowhat]

Imagine spending 80€ on a digital release when the physical version is 60€ at retail stores.

Arrogant Sony knows no bounds

It's not 60€. It's 70€. Get with the times.

As for arrogant Sony... you can always go physical, if you're so inclined? I don't think this lawsuit will go anywhere, but good luck for them.

 

[GudOlRub]

They would leave the Netherlands before they opened up to other digital stores on PlayStation...

Less than 20 million people live in the Netherlands...

Yes but if the Netherlands are successful, other EU countries could follow suit and if most of Europe did that, Sony would be in big trouble.

 

[HRK69]

Leave it to the Dutch to complain about prices

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Yes but if the Netherlands are successful, other EU countries could follow suit and if most of Europe did that, Sony would be in big trouble.

I don't think other EU countries would followsuit if Sony pulled out of the Netherlands...

More importantly, I don't think this suit will be successful. Although I'm no expert in Dutch law.

 

[tTHANOSs]

I mean it's their digital store and their platform for gaming. They can choose how the games are sold. Such a waste of time.

 

[MMaRsu]

It's not 60€. It's 70€. Get with the times.

As for arrogant Sony... you can always go physical, if you're so inclined? I don't think this lawsuit will go anywhere, but good luck for them.

But some of those games are in retail stores for 60€.

Yes but if the Netherlands are successful, other EU countries could follow suit and if most of Europe did that, Sony would be in big trouble.

Thats not what this lawsuit is about

 

[mayham2199]

Jesus not everything has to be regulated. Let the market decide. There are many other options for playing video games that don't do this.

 

[MMaRsu]

I mean it's their digital store and their platform for gaming. They can choose how the games are sold. Such a waste of time.

Apple also thought that and EU didnt agree with that.

As a market leader you have a position you are expected not to abuse.

So no, they cannot choose how games are sold.

Jesus not everything has to be regulated. Let the market decide. There are many other options for playing video games that don't do this.

This would only be a positive for consumers so why are you bitching?

 

[nowhat]

But some of those games are in retail stores for 60€.

...and so are some of the titles in PSN. I recently bought Hogwarts Legacy at a little over 20€. It was much more at retail. Your point is?

 

[Saber]

Digital shouldn't be more expansive than physical. I honestly can't understand how they can ask more than R$400 here and no one bats an eye.

 

[Xyphie]

PSN has always had absolutely garbage tier pricing in Europe. Let's take some popular upcoming game for example: Monster Hunter Wilds 899 SEK on PSN here in Sweden, cheapest retail price 699 SEK. You make up the ~1000 SEK price delta between a Digital and ODD PS5 in 5 games.

 

[MMaRsu]

...and so are some of the titles in PSN. I recently bought Hogwarts Legacy at a little over 20€. It was much more at retail. Your point is?

If you dont want to discuss the topic at hand but instead be a smartass miss me with that shit bro

 

[nowhat]

If you dont want to discuss the topic at hand but instead be a smartass miss me with that shit bro

Some new releases are (rounded) 80€ in PSN, sure. While other are 60€ in retail. Whereas, some titles actually can be higher in retail, and most of the new releases are 70€. So it really, depends. Bruh.

 

[Mr Moose]

Publishers set the prices.

 

[MMaRsu]

Some new releases are (rounded) 80€ in PSN, sure. While other are 60€ in retail. Whereas, some titles actually can be higher in retail, and most of the new releases are 70€. So it really, depends. Bruh.

Well Im pretty sure this is regarding Sony's own titles and not about titles that are on sale.

But PSN pricing is absurdly high for something that does not require a disc, printing, a box, shipping the games etc.

The consumer is just getting screwed, no matter how you look at it.

Publishers set the prices.

Sony the publisher

 

[FoxMcChief]

Publishers set the prices.

I think we’ve seen instances where that wasn’t the case, with some indie devs. I seem to remember that Sony would purposely drag their feet instead of implementing a “sale” on a game. I wish I remembered the game in question.

 

[Gen.Grievous]

I mean, it was bound to happen and good. This would be a win for consumers.

They're never going to win, you can just buy a physical game at a store. Also how are you going to prove they are too expensive?

 

[mayham2199]

This would only be a positive for consumers so why are you bitching?

Because I don't support over regulation by the Government even if it benefits me. Let the market decide what is best and what they want. If Sony was the only option I would understand this a bit more but we are far and away from that being the case.

 

[MMaRsu]

I think we’ve seen instances where that wasn’t the case, with some indie devs. I seem to remember that Sony would purposely drag their feet instead of implementing a “sale” on a game. I wish I remembered the game in question.

We saw it in the past with Xbox 360 and Microsoft. Left 4 Dead DLC was not able to released for free because Microsoft did not permit it.

I think the Halo 3 maps were supposed to be cheaper as well but MS did not allow it.

 

[MMaRsu]

Because I don't support over regulation by the Government even if it benefits me. Let the market decide what is best and what they want. If Sony was the only option I would understand this a bit more but we are far and away from that being the case.

Well this isnt government, its a consumer protection thing. Also its about the games being more expensive digitally vs physical, not about them only allowing one store on their device

 

[tTHANOSs]

Apple also thought that and EU didnt agree with that.

As a market leader you have a position you are expected not to abuse.

So no, they cannot choose how games are sold.

If you are referring to the iPhone tap to pay thing with apple only allowing apple pay on their phones I don't see how that's the same to all this? And iPhone is way bigger than playstation.

 

[PixelatedBeast]

Sony should be able to win this easy. The fact that you can still buy their games at a cheaper price outside of their closed ecosystem nullifies their argument.

 

[Mr Moose]

I think we’ve seen instances where that wasn’t the case, with some indie devs. I seem to remember that Sony would purposely drag their feet instead of implementing a “sale” on a game. I wish I remembered the game in question.

No idea about sales, but the initial price is set by the publisher.

There's no excuse, people should be buying physical games instead of overpriced digital but we keep seeing digital rise and physical sell less and less each year.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

Anyone in the Netherlands is free to start whatever lawsuit they want it doesn't mean anything. Just like in the US a lawyer will do anything if you pay them.

 

[Three]

This is because they don't allow 3rd party game keys, hence why they can control the price of the game.

You can buy game keys from other stores for Xbox and Switch, but not for PS.

Are there game keys on Nintendo? Isn't Nintendo and PS pretty much identical in this regard?

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