A federal judge has dismissed a case related to the PlayStation Store “monopoly”. Until 2019, gamers were able to purchase digital codes for games on PlayStation Store from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. PlayStation abruptly stopped distributing these types of codes, ensuring players would go straight to the PlayStation Store to purchase their digital games. This has confused gamers everywhere as holders of other platforms such as Xbox continue to offer these digital game codes at the aforementioned retailers. Sony’s reasoning was somewhat ambiguous, saying that the decision was made “in order to align key businesses globally.” As such, gamers have attempted to take the case to court, claiming that Sony has eliminated a lucrative and long-running relationship in order to create a monopoly across the PlayStation Store.
Chief United States District Judge Richard Seaborg Case dismissed last week, noting that the case did not provide enough evidence that the model was profitable, even if it was likely to generate some revenue for Sony. That’s not to say Seeborg didn’t see some value in the claims made, as the judge agreed that players were being offered higher prices for digital games on PlayStation Store versus other retailers.
“Plaintiffs argue that many games are more expensive in the digital versions than in the physical versions, despite the current additional costs of physical copies such as production of materials and shipping,” Seaborg said. “Although, as Defendant points out, there may be other reasons for the price hike, and physical versions of the game may not be the appropriate standard, at this point the plaintiffs have pledged to increase prices.”
Many have been frustrated by the lack of digital PlayStation game codes because they cannot obtain codes at lower costs and cannot offer digital games to people. While Xbox and Steam allow the gifting of digital games through their storefronts, PlayStation does not. Previously, you could only buy their code, but now customers have to buy a gift card of equal value for the PlayStation Store.
What do you think about PlayStation’s lack of digital gaming codes? Let me know in the comments or hit me up TwitterCade_Onder.
[H/T Courthouse News Service]
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