Sony agreed to pay almost $8 million to gamers as part of a lawsuit over PS Store monopoly

Sony has agreed to pay out nearly $8 million to PlayStation customers as part of a settlement regarding digital game prices on the PlayStation Store. The settlement became possible after the court denied Sony motion to dismiss the case. Now, members of the class action lawsuit who meet the criteria can apply for compensation.

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2024. Plaintiffs alleged that Sony established a monopoly over PlayStation Store prices by making publishers "cede control over the final price to Sony." According to the suit, Sony "eliminated the last vestiges of price competition when it stopped allowing outside retailers to sell digital download codes that could be redeemed on the PlayStation Store."

Sony is not admitting to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, but avoids a civil trial if the court approves the terms. Once that happens, the claims against Sony will be dismissed "with prejudice" – meaning another lawsuit on the same subject cannot be filed.

Anyone who purchased certain games through the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023 may be eligible for a payout. Dozens of titles are listed in the court documents, including:

• Nier: Automata

• Resident Evil 4

• The Last of Us Remastered

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss for PS Vita

• Killzone: Mercenary for PS Vita

The full list of eligible games is available in the official court filings, and the exact payout for each participant will depend on how many claimants submit requests for compensation.