Sony is facing increased scrutiny in Europe after two preservation initiatives announced support for a Dutch class action that alleges the company exerts excessive control over pricing for digital games sold through the PlayStation Store.
Groups join forces to support Dutch lawsuit
The class action was filed in the Netherlands by Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SM&C). It contends that Sony’s distribution model for PlayStation digital titles reduces competition among retailers, allowing the company to influence prices paid by consumers.
Stop Killing Games, a decentralized global initiative focused on legal protections for consumers against deliberate game shutdowns, said it will back the SM&C action and encourage Dutch players to participate. It joined DoesItPlay, a group dedicated to preserving and ensuring the functionality of games in physical media, in offering support.
Organizers said consumer participation could help demonstrate to the Dutch courts that the suit represents the interests of affected players, though the allegations remain to be evaluated by the judiciary.
Case centers on alleged “Sony Tax” in digital sales
The lawsuit, launched in early 2025, targets the PlayStation Store’s role as the sole storefront for purchasing full digital versions of many PlayStation games. SM&C and its supporters argue that this centralized structure diminishes retailer competition and has led to what they call a “Sony Tax” — a perceived increase in prices tied to the company’s control over distribution.
The claim asserts that Sony’s control over digital distribution gives it disproportionate market power in the digital games market, which may affect consumer prices. Those allegations are part of the legal filing and will be assessed by the court.
Why digital distribution is at issue
The complaint contrasts digital and physical game markets. Physical copies can be sold by multiple retailers who compete on price and promotions, and they support a secondary used-games market where consumers can buy and resell discs.
Within Sony’s digital ecosystem, purchases of complete games occur inside the company’s platform, which, according to the plaintiffs, leaves less room for competition over distribution. The dispute therefore concerns not only game pricing but also who holds the commercial power to sell titles inside the platform.
End of physical media heightens concerns
The lawsuit gained additional weight after an announcement that PlayStation physical media production is expected to end in January 2028. SM&C warns that reduced availability of discs could strengthen Sony’s market position.
If consumers become dependent solely on digital purchases, the organization argues, Sony could increase its control over sales, pricing and commercial terms for games on its consoles. The potential disappearance of the used-games market is also cited: unlike discs, digital titles tied to accounts typically cannot be resold to other consumers.
Similar challenges elsewhere in Europe
The PlayStation Store model is being questioned beyond the Netherlands. Other legal actions in various European countries target Sony’s commercial practices in the digital market.
In the United Kingdom, a case known as “PlayStation You Owe Us” likewise accuses Sony of anticompetitive behavior related to the sale of digital content. These proceedings are emerging as the industry shifts increasingly toward digital distribution.
For preservation movements such as Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay, the dispute encompasses price concerns as well as issues of ownership, access and long-term preservation of video games.
Next steps for the Dutch class action
The endorsement from Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay does not equate to proof of the allegations. The Dutch court will continue to examine the arguments presented by SM&C alongside Sony’s defense.
Meanwhile, SM&C is working to broaden Dutch consumer participation in the class action. Observers note the case could have implications beyond the PlayStation Store as consoles and games migrate toward a predominantly digital market, prompting debate over the degree of control platform holders can exercise over prices, distribution and access within their ecosystems.
