Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to pay $7.85 million as part of a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit in the United States, according to a CNET report. The settlement, which is still pending final court approval, addresses allegations that Sony's decision to stop selling game-specific vouchers led to higher prices for customers purchasing games through the PlayStation Store.
Details of the Lawsuit
The case, titled Caccuri, et al. v. Sony Interactive Entertainment, LLC, claimed that Sony unlawfully eliminated competition and monopolized the market for its digital games. According to the lawsuit, this move forced customers to buy games only through the PlayStation Store, potentially resulting in higher prices for certain titles. The complaint argued that these actions caused consumers to pay more for digital games than they otherwise would have.
Sony's Denial of Wrongdoing
Sony has denied all claims made in the lawsuit. The company stated that it did not engage in any unlawful activity and that customers were not harmed by its actions. The court has not made a final determination on whether Sony violated any laws, but it has given preliminary approval to the $7.85 million settlement.
Eligibility for Settlement
Not all PlayStation users will qualify for the payout. To be eligible, users must meet the following criteria:
- Be residents of the United States or its territories
- Have purchased eligible digital games through the PlayStation Store
- Have made those purchases between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023
Eligible users are automatically included in the settlement and do not need to file a claim.
Payment Distribution
Most eligible users will receive their share of the settlement directly in their PlayStation Network wallet. Users who have deactivated their accounts can still apply by submitting proof of purchase. In such cases, payments will be made in cash instead of wallet credits. The final payout amount per user has not yet been disclosed.
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