Dutch Consumer Group Files Lawsuit Against Sony Over Alleged Digital Pricing Abuse

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A Dutch consumer advocacy group, Stichting Massaschade & Consument, has filed a collective lawsuit against Sony, accusing the company of overcharging players for digital games, which they called "Sony Tax."

According to the foundation (via Gamingindustry.biz), more than 1.7 million PlayStation users in the Netherlands are potentially paying inflated prices for digital games and in-game content.

The organization argues that Sony’s digital storefront effectively locks out competition, allowing it to dictate prices without consumer-friendly alternatives. 

The group’s internal research highlights that, on average, players pay 47% more for digital versions of games compared to their physical counterparts.

The foundation launched its ‘Fair PlayStation’ campaign earlier this year, and since then, it has reportedly received thousands of complaints from Dutch gamers. Lucia Melcherts, chair of the foundation, pointed out that consumers are being nudged toward buying digital-only PS5 consoles, which removes the option to purchase cheaper physical discs — a move that may ultimately benefit Sony at the expense of players and developers.

The lawsuit was filed on June 24, and the court hearing is expected to take place later this year.

This isn’t the first time Sony has found itself in legal trouble over its digital practices. A similar case is unfolding in the UK, where consumer rights expert Alex Neill launched a lawsuit in 2022 challenging Sony’s 30% commission on digital sales. Sony's attempt to halt that case was rejected in 2023, and the legal process is still ongoing, with up to £6.3 million in damages potentially at stake.

Meanwhile, Valve is also under fire in the UK for similar reasons, with a lawsuit filed in June 2024 alleging that Steam stifles price competition — this one seeking a massive £656 million in compensation. Even Apple has been fined over its App Store policies, facing a €500 million penalty from the EU in April for restricting external payment options.