Sony faces questions in £2bn PlayStation trial over claims gamers were overcharged

Sony executives have given evidence in a case that could see 12 million UK gamers owed compensation for inflated digital game prices.

Two Sony executives took the stand last week to give evidence in the £2 billion PlayStation trial, as the Competition Appeal Tribunal heard testimony about Sony’s business policies and strategy for digital game distribution.

The witnesses, described as “factual witnesses” for Sony, provided evidence about how the company operates its business, its strategy and the rationale behind decisions relating to the PlayStation Store. Much of their testimony had to be heard behind closed doors, as it touched on sensitive internal policies and the inner workings of the business.

The trial, which began on 2 March, is examining whether Sony overcharged 12 million UK gamers for digital games and add-on content by blocking competition and maintaining total control over the PlayStation Store.

Natasha Pearman, Partner and Head of Competition Litigation at Milberg London LLP, explained: 

“Factual witnesses are there to provide evidence which is within their knowledge. In the Sony case, the factual witnesses are providing information around how Sony operates its business policies, its strategy and the rationale for making certain decisions, how it views the competition.”

The purpose of cross-examination is to test the witness evidence that they have given. “So Robert Palmer KC will be taking them through that, challenging them and then seeing how that interacts with the actual disclosed documents that we’ve seen,” she added.

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How cross-examination works

During cross-examination, witnesses are sworn in, shown their written witness statement and asked to confirm that it is accurate and truthful.

The legal team representing UK gamers then tests the witness evidence against the disclosed documents presented to the court, challenging inconsistencies and examining how the testimony aligns with Sony’s internal documents.

Pearman emphasised that preparing to question a factual witness is a major undertaking involving detailed strategic planning and coordination across the legal team. While Robert Palmer KC leads the questioning in court, he is supported by a counsel team including Stefan Kuppen, Nikolaus Grubeck and Charlotte McLean, along with many others across Milberg and economic consulting firm BRG working behind the scenes.

What the PlayStation claim is about

The £2 billion lawsuit alleges that Sony has breached competition law by abusing its market power and forcing up prices for consumers who buy digital games or add-on content through the PlayStation Store.

The claim argues that Sony has overcharged PlayStation customers by imposing unfair terms and conditions that allow the company to charge excessive commission on digital purchases. UK consumers who purchased games or in-app content are said to have overpaid as a result of Sony’s alleged anti-competitive practices.

The estimated damages per individual member of the class is £162 including interest.

When could gamers see compensation?

The trial began on 2 March and could run until 8 May. There won’t be an immediate judgment – the Tribunal typically takes several months after a trial concludes to deliver its ruling.

If Sony loses, there may be appeals, which could extend the timeline. Realistically, compensation distribution might begin in around a year if the claim succeeds without appeals, though it could take longer.

Settlement is also possible at any stage, as seen in other recent collective actions.

Who is eligible and what you need to do

UK consumers who purchased digital games or add-on content from the PlayStation Store between 19 August 2016 and 12 February 2026 are automatically included in the claim. You do not need to take any action unless you wish to opt out.

The opt-out deadline has now passed (9 March 2026). If you did not opt out, you remain part of the claim and will be eligible for compensation if it succeeds.

You may be eligible if:

• You (or a member of your family) own a PS4 or PS5, or owned one between 19 August 2016 and 12 February 2026
• You spent money buying digital games or in-app purchases from the PlayStation Store
• You live in the UK

There is nothing you need to do now. Sign up to Consumer Voice to follow the trial and receive updates on when and how you can claim if the case succeeds.

Visit the PlayStation claim website for more information.