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Sony to pay $7.85 million in PlayStation digital sales settlement
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reached a preliminary $7.85 million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit Caccuri v. Sony Interactive Entertainment. The lawsuit alleged that Sony violated U.S. antitrust laws by restricting the sale of game-specific digital download codes through third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, effectively forcing consumers to purchase digital games exclusively through the PlayStation Store.
Plaintiffs argued this practice eliminated competition and led to inflated prices for digital titles. While Sony has denied any wrongdoing or harm to consumers, the court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for October 15, which will determine the final distribution plan and attorney fees.
Approximately 4.4 million PlayStation users in the United States may be eligible for compensation if they purchased qualifying digital games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Eligible users with active PlayStation Network accounts are expected to receive credits automatically, while those with deactivated accounts may apply for direct payment via email.
Entities
Amazon · Best Buy · Caccuri v. Sony Interactive Entertainment · GameStop · PlayStation · PlayStation Store · Sony Interactive Entertainment
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A final approval hearing is scheduled for October 15. pk.ign.com · in.ign.com · www.cnet.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The lawsuit alleges Sony violated antitrust laws by discontinuing game-specific vouchers from third-party retailers. aphnetworks.com · pk.ign.com · in.ign.com · www.cnet.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] To be eligible, claimants must be U.S. citizens who purchased qualifying games between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. pk.ign.com · in.ign.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] A court has preliminarily approved a $7.85 million settlement. aphnetworks.com · pk.ign.com · in.ign.com · www.cnet.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The settlement plan allows for up to 25% of the funds to be allocated to attorney fees. www.cnet.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sony denied any wrongdoing and disputed claims that class members were damaged by its actions. pk.ign.com · in.ign.com · www.cnet.com