Nine million claimants are suing Sony PlayStation for £5bn for allegedly ripping off consumers with overpriced games and in-game purchases, according to reports.
Consumer rights advocate Alex Neill filed a collective action against the gaming giant which claims Sony Playstation abused its market power to impose unfair terms and conditions on game developers and publishers, driving up consumer prices, Sky claimed.
By charging 30% commission on digital games and in-game purchases through the PlayStation Store, it allegedly "ripped people off", according to the lawsuit, with consumers overcharged by up to £5bn on digital gaming purchases over the last six years.
Any UK resident who has purchased digital games or add-on content on their console or through the PlayStation store since August 19, 2016 may be eligible for compensation under the claim filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, according to the claim.
Excluding interest, estimated damages to individuals range from £67 and £562.
"The game is up for Sony PlayStation," said Neill, reports Sky News.
"With this legal action I am standing up for the millions of UK people who have been unwittingly overcharged. We believe Sony has abused its position and ripped off its customers."
The activist said gaming has overtaken TV, video, and music in the UK as the most popular entertainment industry, and has become an indispensable tool for many vulnerable people to connect with their community.
"The actions of Sony is costing millions of people who can't afford it, particularly when we're in the midst of a cost of living crisis and the consumer purse is being squeezed like never before."