Sony has announced that it will raise the prices of its Play Station 5 in some global markets, and attributed this to high global inflation rates, according to a statement published by the company.
Sony said - in the statement published today, Thursday - that the new recommended retail price will come to select markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America, in addition to Canada, and there will be no increase in prices in the United States.
"The global economic environment is a challenge that many of you around the world face, no doubt. We are witnessing high global inflation rates, as well as currency reversals, affecting consumers and creating pressures on many industries, and based on these difficult economic conditions, Sony has taken the decision It is difficult to increase the recommended retail price of the PlayStation 5.
The Japanese company stressed that this increase in prices is a necessity in view of the current global economic environment and its impact on Sony's business, pointing out that its top priority continues to improve the "PlayStation 5" so that the largest possible number of players can experience everything that the device offers.
Gaming is now the UK's largest entertainment industry, ahead of TV, video and music (networking sites)
A fine of billions
PlayStation is facing a lawsuit worth 5 billion pounds (about 5.9 billion dollars) for allegedly "stealing" customers in its digital store.
The legal claim, filed by consumer rights activist Alex Neal, alleges that Sony violated competition law by claiming a portion of every purchase made on the company's store.
According to the claim, UK players for their digital purchases have been "overpriced" by £5 billion over the past six years.
The lawsuit, which was filed last week, says it includes anyone in the UK who has bought games on the PlayStation Store since August 19, 2016, an estimated 9 million people.
If the procedure is successful, each person will be entitled to compensation ranging from $79 to $664, plus interest.
The controversy revolves around the terms and conditions that Sony places on developers and publishers who want to sell games and additional content through the PlayStation digital stores.
Sony gets a 30% share of every purchase made, the same process that takes place in the “Steam”, “Xbox” and “App Store” platforms, but these platforms only get At 12%, this is what Neal claims is "stealing people".
It is not clear if the lawsuit claims that Sony should not take any commission for third-party sales in its digital stores, or if the rate should be reduced to less than 30%.
Gaming is now the UK's largest entertainment industry, before television, video and music, and many people rely on gaming to share and connect with others.