A legal claim has been brought against Sony PlayStation seeking damages of up to £5 billion for consumers in the UK.
The claim is a collective action against Sony and its PlayStation brand, brought by consumer rights expert Alex Neal, who argues that the game console giant violates competition law by unlawfully overcharging PlayStation customers.
It alleged that Sony abused its market dominant position to impose unfair terms and conditions on PlayStation game developers and publishers, resulting in a loss for consumers every time they purchase digital games or in-game content from the PlayStation Store. , then they get exorbitant and unreasonable prices.
As a result, UK consumers have been charged potentially more than £5bn over the past six years for their digital gaming purchases.
According to a claim filed with the Competition Appeals Tribunal on Friday, any person in the UK who has purchased digital game or add-on content on their console or through the PlayStation Store since 19 August 2016 is included in the claim and potentially is entitled to compensation. ,
The estimated loss per member of the class is between £67 and £562 excluding interest.
Ms. Neal commented: “With this legal action I stand by the millions of people in the UK who have been unintentionally overcharged. We believe Sony has abused its position and its customers.” has robbed
“Gaming is now the largest entertainment industry in the UK, ahead of TV, video and music, and many vulnerable people rely on gaming for community and connection. Sony’s actions are costing millions of people who cannot afford it. especially when we are in the midst of a survival crisis and consumer wallets are being squeezed like never before.”
Natasha Pearman, partner at Millberg London, who led the case, commented: “Sony dominates the digital distribution of PlayStation games and in-game content; it has deployed an anti-competitive strategy that has resulted in exorbitant prices to customers. The costs of providing Sony’s services are all out of proportion.
“This claim is only possible because of the opt-out collective action regime introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015; a regime that Alex struggled to offer. We look forward to working with Alex to ensure that The government should achieve its objective of protecting and compensating consumers.”
The action is funded by Woodsford – an ESG, Access to Justice and Litigation Finance business – so class members are not liable for any costs of the legal action.
Woodsford’s Chief Investment Officer Charlie Morris commented: “Woodsford is proud to have financed Alex Neal and we are determined to help him hold Sony accountable for his anti-competitive behavior.
“The litigation finance provided by Woodsford is fundamental to these actions; it levels the playing field, provides consumers with equality of arms and access to justice so that large businesses such as Sony can exploit consumers without consequences.” Can’t take advantage of that.”
Robert Palmer QC and Fiona Banks of Moncton Chambers work for Alex Neal, directed by Milberg.
Source
