Overview

• The class action was filed on June 24 by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, accusing Sony of abusing its dominant position in the Dutch digital gaming market.
• Plaintiffs argue that Sony’s exclusive control over the PlayStation Store blocked rival retailers and drove digital game prices up to 47% above physical disc versions.
• The lawsuit estimates Dutch PlayStation users have collectively overpaid €435 million since 2013 and is seeking compensation for roughly 1.7 million console owners.
• Sony holds around 80% of the console market in the Netherlands, a share the suit says enabled unilateral price hikes without consulting developers or consumers.
• The first hearing is slated for late 2025, with the outcome expected to influence similar challenges to app and digital content store practices across Europe.