Millions of PlayStation owners could be owed ‘up to £560 EACH’ as Sony accused of overcharging gamers – how to claim
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.
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.
Read more about PlayStation
"We believe Sony has abused its position and ripped off its customers."
He 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.
UK consumers have been overcharged on digital gaming purchases by as much as £5billion over the last six years, according to the claim.
It 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.
Most read in Tech
How to claim compensation
It's estimated each person could get between £67 and £562 (excluding interest), depending on how many games they've bought.
But you won't be able to get anything just yet.
The collective action was only filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal on Friday, so we'll have to wait for the powers that be to decide.
That could took a while.
Anyone who thinks they're entitled to compensation can stay up-to-date with the claim by signing up to .
If Sony loses or a payout is agreed, you'll be informed on next steps.
But even if you don't sign up for updates before, people are usually given time to add their name even after a decision is made.
You usually need receipts to prove you were affected - so don't delete any purchase emails you've got from Sony, you'll need those.
“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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
"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.
All the latest Gaming tips and tricks
Looking for tips and tricks across your favourite consoles and games? We have you covered...
- All the video game releases in 2022
- Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
- All of the Call of Duty games in order
- Every Assassin's Creed game in order
- All the GTA 5 mods and cheats
- What are the Pokemon Go Eevee Evolutions?
- Everything you need to know about Roblox
- Who created Fortnite?
- Most popular Roblox games
- How to get free Robux
- How many people play Fortnite?
- Best PS4 games with free PS5 upgrades
- Who is the highest-paid Twitch streamer?
Get all of the latest PS5, Xbox and other video game news here
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]