Millions of consumers in the United States may be eligible for compensation through PlayStation Network (PSN) credit following a $7.85 million class action lawsuit that Sony has agreed to settle. This case stems from allegations that Sony has monopolised the market by discontinuing the sale of digital game vouchers in retail stores.
Previously, gamers could purchase these game-specific vouchers to buy digital games from various retailers. However, in April 2019, Sony stopped selling these vouchers. Critics argue that this action reduced competition and forced consumers to pay higher prices for downloadable games.
To qualify for compensation, US residents must meet specific criteria. They need to have purchased a digital game from the PS Store between 1 April 2019 and 31 December 2023, provided that the game had a voucher sold at retail before the discontinuation. Additionally, at least 200 units of that voucher must have been sold, and the average price of the game must have increased by at least $0.50 after April 2019.
Eligible games include popular titles such as The Last of Us Remastered, inFAMOUS: First Light, and God of War 3 Remastered. A fairness hearing is scheduled for 15 October 2026, at which point the settlement must receive final approval before any compensation is distributed.
If approved, eligible individuals will receive a credit to their PSN wallet, although it’s expected that the amount will be modest—likely between $1 and $3 per qualifying purchase. Critics suggest that Sony may have profited significantly from eliminating these vouchers, viewing the settlement merely as a regulatory cost. Similar legal actions are underway in Europe and the UK, indicating that this may not be the last lawsuit of its kind.
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