Once a champion for physical media, Sony is now telling PlayStation customers they don’t actually own the digital video games they paid $70 for | Fortune
Sony faces a class-action lawsuit for allegedly violating California law by not disclosing that digital game purchases are licenses, not ownership.Summary
Sony is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to properly disclose that purchasing digital video games on PlayStation does not grant permanent ownership, but rather a license. The lawsuit claims this violates California law AB 2426, which requires a plain language warning that 'buying' a digital good is a license. Sony argued in a motion to dismiss that its terms of service clearly stated customers were purchasing, not owning, the games. This legal battle highlights a growing consumer concern regarding digital ownership, especially as Sony shifts away from physical media, announcing it will cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games in January 2028. The trend reflects a broader 'subscription fatigue' among consumers, with many, particularly Gen Z, seeking 'analog islands' of physical media to ensure true ownership of their entertainment.
(Source：Fortune)