Sony faces major lawsuit over PlayStation Store monopoly

The UK trial involving Sony for alleged monopolistic practices in connection with the PlayStation Store has now begun, with several media outlets reporting that it is one of the largest legal cases involving the gaming industry in recent years.

The plaintiffs in the case have declared that Sony used its monopolistic position in the digital store to require every digital copy of a PS game to be purchased from the PlayStation Store. Because Sony controls the entire store, it allegedly has the power to charge higher prices and take a cut of every sale without the presence of competition from other markets.

The case was brought by consumer rights champion Alex Neill and could potentially impact as many as nine million PlayStation users in the UK. If the court rules in favour of the plaintiff, those who have purchased digital copies of games from Sony's store over the years could potentially be in line for a refund.

Sony has denied the allegations, claiming that it is not violating any competition laws with its PlayStation Store, and is likely to put up a strong defence in court as the trial continues.

A win for the plaintiffs could have significant implications for the gaming industry, particularly for console manufacturers who operate closed digital stores that require purchases.