Sure thing. Let me dive into this adventure. Buckle up because it might get messy, and well, that’s sort of the point, right?
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Alright, so picture this: Dutch PlayStation gamers are super mad. Like, raging-about-something-you-barely-understand mad. They’re fuming over this so-called ‘Sony tax’. Now, what’s that? It’s kind of like Sony giving them the short end of the stick. Legal folks jumped into the fray with a class action suit — sounds fancy, huh? Anyway, they’re saying game prices went wild. Imagine paying 47% more just because it’s digital? Crazy talk, but hey, that’s what they’re up against.
Here’s the kicker: They’ve been poking around and came up with this wild idea that Sony’s had its grip on the console game (sorry, not sorry) for a decade. Blocking other app stores? Sneaky. Over in the Netherlands, around 1.7 million folks felt their wallet getting lighter. Like, “oops, where did €435 million go?” lighter. That’s a whole lot of missing change since 2013.
And whether you’re chilling in the U.S. or wherever, new PS5 games? Not cheap. You’re looking at $69.99. Ouch. Now, here’s the thing — Sony plays like it owns the joint in their digital store. Competition in physical sales? It’s like a shark tank. Everyone’s trying to sell games cheaper. But digital-only consoles? That feels like a punch in the gut to competition.
Diving back, Lucia Melcherts — cool name, right? — is waving the ‘Fair PlayStation’ flag. She’s kind of like the voice of this whole chaotic mess. Says gamers are dumping piles of cash for games. Sony keeps asking for more, giving nada in return. It’s kinda like boiling a frog, slowly turning up the heat. Not the best look, Sony.
Think about it: if Sony can waltz around raising prices without flinching, that’s some bold monopolistic swagger right there. Folks thought digital would save money. Spoiler: not when you’re fenced into one store. Remember those lofty dreams about cheaper digital releases? Yeah, reality hit hard.
Long story short, ‘Fair PlayStation’ is shouting that Sony’s making money like Scrooge McDuck from digital sales. Holding 80% of the Dutch console market? That’s definitely a big fish in a small pond. And those walls they’ve built around their store? Not so fun for developers and publishers either.
Oh, before I get sidetracked — first legal hearing? Slated for 2025. With fingers crossed, the consumer group’s hopeful the Dutch courts will crack open Sony’s digital fortress for other sellers.
So, what are you gonna do? Keep an eye on Tom’s Hardware for updates, and hit that follow button. Or don’t. It’s your call. But hey, who doesn’t love a good tech skirmish update in their daily feed?
