Overview
- Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay announced public support for Stichting Massaschade & Consument's suit, with the groups urging Dutch PlayStation users to sign up to show the court the claim represents gamers.
- The collective action, filed in early 2025, alleges Sony forces digital sales through its own PlayStation Store and seeks about €435.4 million in damages for roughly 1.7 million Dutch customers who bought games since November 29, 2013.
- Plaintiffs cite an economic analysis that assumes a lower commission rate and finds digital PlayStation titles average 47% higher than physical copies, a gap the suit says results from Sony blocking competing stores on its consoles.
- Campaigners say Sony's announced halt to disc production from January 1, 2028 will remove secondhand and retail alternatives and strengthen claims that PlayStation Store pricing will be set without market pressure, while Sony notes games will still be sold as digital downloads and by retailers offering download codes.
- The case is active but unresolved: a June 29 hearing probed jurisdiction and representativeness, both sides face procedural deadlines before an interim ruling, and regulators, retailers and other national complaints are watching for wider implications on digital ownership and competition.