Sony Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Digital Game Ownership Claims
- Sony asserts that digital purchasers understand they lack true ownership of their digital goods.
- A class action lawsuit claims Sony misled consumers regarding digital ownership in the PlayStation Store.
- The Consumer Rights wiki lists over 30 instances where Sony’s communications imply ownership of digital games.
Last month, Sony stated that “reasonable consumers” are aware that purchasing digital goods does not confer actual ownership. In a contrast to this assertion, the Consumer Rights wiki has compiled over 30 instances where Sony informed customers they do, in fact, own the digital games they bought.
A recent class action lawsuit against Sony alleges that the PlayStation Store fails to clarify that digital purchases do not equate to digital ownership. Instead, consumers are acquiring digital licenses that can be revoked at any time, meaning access to games, downloadable content (DLC), or cosmetic packs is not guaranteed indefinitely.
Sony’s legal team responded by arguing that the company has not violated any laws regarding digital ownership, asserting that “reasonable consumers would not be misled” by the store’s small print disclosures. These disclosures include links to the company’s Terms of Service and Software Product Licensing Agreement that appear before purchasing.
In reaction to these claims, the Consumer Rights wiki developed a “non-exhaustive table” detailing references on Sony’s website related to ‘owning’ digital games. The compilation showcases over 30 examples where Sony’s communications implied ownership, such as, “View a broadcast for a game you own through the game’s hub,” or, “If you own the PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game, here’s how to switch between them.”
One notable reference is found in the FAQ section for Marvel’s Wolverine, which states: “Standard Edition owners can also upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition content.”
The lawsuit’s plaintiffs claim that Sony violated California law, which makes it unlawful for sellers of digital goods to use terms like “buy” or “purchase,” which imply unrestricted ownership rights to the digital product. It remains to be seen how this lawsuit will progress in the coming weeks and months as the legal considerations unfold.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
