Dutch Consumer Protection Foundation Sues Sony Over Alleged Sony Tax on PlayStation Games

The Dutch consumer protection organization Massaschade & Consument has initiated legal action against Sony. The company is accused of inflating prices for digital versions of PlayStation games in the region.

According to the foundation, digital PlayStation games in the Netherlands are priced 47% higher than their physical counterparts, despite reportedly lower distribution costs.

«Japan’s company is exploiting its dominant position in the console market,» states Massaschade & Consument. «Millions of Dutch consumers have been overpaying for PlayStation games and in-game content for years. This monopoly on digital sales has resulted in what is referred to as the ‘Sony tax.'»

The foundation claims that Sony is violating Dutch and European competition laws designed to protect consumers from dominant market players. Massaschade & Consument demands that Sony cease its illegal practices and provide restitution for the overcharges on behalf of over three million Dutch gamers.

The organization anticipates that if the court rules in their favor, it could compel Sony to open up the market for the sale of PlayStation digital content to third-party vendors. Additionally, it has urged Dutch gamers who have been affected by Sony’s pricing to support its Fair PlayStation initiative. The first hearing for the case is scheduled to take place later this year.