Online searches for ‘PlayStation refund’ explode by 1,597% following Sony lawsuit

Sony PlayStation is in the midst of a lawsuit following consumer rights champion Alex Neill calling them out for overcharging consumers by £5 billion over the last six years.

Gaming experts at Minesweeper-Challenge have analysed Google Trends data to reveal a 1,597% increase in online searches for ‘PlayStation refund’ since the announcement of the lawsuit yesterday (22^nd August). It is clear from these findings that PlayStation consumers who believe that they are affected have begun searching for how to claim compensation for being overcharged.

Sony has been charging an additional 30% commission on the digital game and in-game purchases made through the PlayStation store. The company has been accused of breaching competition law as they have allegedly imposed unfair terms and conditions on game developers and publishers which in turn, forced the prices up for consumers. Those who have made purchases from 19^th August 2016 could be entitled to £67-£562 if the lawsuit is successful.

Alex Neill claims that they have a case based on the following:

“Companies making a profit isn’t wrong, but unlawful behaviour at the expense of their customers is. We believe Sony’s conduct in relation to PlayStation amounts to an abuse of a dominant position which is in breach of UK/EU competition law, for the following reasons:

1. Sony has a near monopoly on the sale of digital games and add-on content through its control of the PlayStation Store.
2. Sony uses this dominance to enforce strict terms and conditions on game developers and publishers.
3. These terms allow Sony to set the price of digital games and in-game content and charge a 30% commission on every purchase of digital games and in-game content from the PlayStation Store.
4. This results in excessive and unfair prices to consumers for their digital games and in-game content.
5. These prices are out of all proportion to the costs of Sony providing these services to its customers.”

A spokesperson from Minesweeper-Challenge commented on the analysis:

“With the current cost of living at a record high, it is no wonder that so many are searching for a quick refund. During the pandemic back in 2020, studies found that there were 36 million gamers in the UK, a large number relying on gaming as a way of socialising. Sony PlayStation has profited unfairly off of the vulnerability of many of its customers.

 As cases like these are known for taking years to settle, it is likely that consumers will have to wait a long time to see any compensation.”

Credit https://minesweeper-challenge.com who commissioned the research