Global Antitrust Storm Hits Sony Over Disc-Free PlayStation Store

Five lawsuits across the US, UK, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Mexico allege Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem is anti-competitive by forcing purchases through the PlayStation Store and ending physical discs, aided by a 30% store commission and the shrinking of alternative marketplaces. While one US class-action settlement is in place for digital-game purchasers, other suits are ongoing and could take years to resolve as plaintiffs argue the end of discs erodes competition and consumer choice.