What to know about Sony’s $7.8 million PlayStation digital store settlement
PlayStation customers who bought certain digital games on the PlayStation Store could soon see refunds as Sony moves to resolve a class action lawsuit filed in 2023. The proposed settlement creates a $7.8 million fund without Sony admitting any wrongdoing, and a judge will review the deal at a hearing scheduled for October 15. The court has not determined whether any laws were violated.
Who could get money
Potential eligibility centers on digital purchases of specific titles from the PlayStation Store made between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Only games named in the settlement qualify for consideration.
Examples of games included
- Ratchet & Clank Collection
- The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II
- God of War: Origins Collection
- The Jackbox Party Pack series
- Call of Duty: Classic
- And numerous additional titles listed in the official settlement materials
If you bought any of the qualifying titles during the specified period through the PlayStation Store, you may be part of the settlement class.
What the case was about
The lawsuit alleged that Sony’s digital storefront practices limited competition and led to higher prices for certain PlayStation Store purchases. Sony has agreed to settle but disputes the claims, maintaining it did nothing wrong.
Your choices if you’re in the class
- Do nothing: You’ll remain part of the settlement and could receive compensation if the court approves. You’ll also give up the right to bring separate claims over the same issues.
- Exclude yourself: You opt out of the settlement, will not receive any payment from it, and keep your right to sue Sony on your own about the same allegations.
- Object: You stay in the settlement but can tell the court you disagree with some aspect of it. The judge will consider objections at the approval hearing.
How much you might receive
Per-person amounts haven’t been set and will depend on factors such as the number of valid claims and deductions for court-approved attorneys’ fees, administration costs, and other expenses. The plaintiffs estimate the class could include more than 4.4 million people. Any remaining funds after expenses are expected to be distributed to eligible claimants, subject to court approval.
Key dates and what happens next
- Approval hearing: A judge is expected to consider final approval on October 15.
- If approved: Instructions on how to submit a claim, object, or exclude yourself will be provided in official notices and settlement documents.
- Deadlines: The court will set claim and objection deadlines; watch the official materials closely once they’re available.
What to do now
- Check your purchase history: Review your PlayStation Store transactions from April 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, and note any qualifying games.
- Monitor for notices: Look out for settlement notices sent to your email associated with your PlayStation Network account or posted through official channels.
- Decide your approach: Choose whether to remain in the settlement, opt out, or file an objection before the relevant deadline.
Bottom line: If you bought specific digital titles on the PlayStation Store during the covered window, you could be in line for a payout from the $7.8 million fund—assuming the court signs off. Keep an eye on the approval hearing and the forthcoming instructions to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
