PLAYSTATION players could be owed hundreds in compensation as Sony faces legal action for allegedly “ripping people off” by overpricing games.
The gaming giant is being sued for £5billion on behalf of almost nine million players.
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If successful, each person could get up to £562, excluding interest.
The legal claim centres on a 30 percent commission the Japanese firm takes on every digital game and in-game purchase made through its PlayStation Store.
“The game is up for Sony PlayStation,” said consumer rights champion Alex Neill, who is leading the claim.
“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.”
The collective action was filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal on Friday.
It argues that Sony is in breach of competition law by abusing its market power to impose unfair terms and conditions on game developers and publishers, forcing up prices for players.
They believe UK consumers have been overcharged on digital gaming purchases by as much as £5billion over the last six years.
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The claim covers anyone in the UK who has purchased digital games or add-on in-game content on their console or via the PlayStation Store since 19 August 2016.
It’s estimated each person could get between £67 and £562 (excluding interest), depending on how many games they’ve bought.
Anyone who thinks they’re entitled to compensation can stay up-to-date with the claim by signing up to playstationyouoweus.co.uk.
“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,” Mr Neill continued.
“The actions of Sony are 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.”
The Sun has reached out to Sony for comment.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
