Sony Tells Court Reasonable PlayStation Buyers Already Knew They Never Really Owned Digital Games, as Physical Discs Vanish in 2028

Key Points:

• Sony is contesting a proposed class action lawsuit alleging inadequate disclosure of digital game licensing terms on the PlayStation Store, arguing consumers already understand that digital purchases are licenses, not ownership.
• The lawsuit, filed in June 2026 by California PlayStation users, cites California's AB 2426 law requiring clear, conspicuous license disclosures at checkout, which plaintiffs claim Sony's current fine print fails to meet.
• Sony's legal response emphasizes that digital ownership is implausible due to the non-scarce nature of digital files and defends its embedded license terms within lengthy service agreements as sufficient disclosure.
• The case has reignited criticism from gamers concerned that ending physical disc production by 2028, combined with license-only digital purchases, risks loss of true ownership and control over game libraries.
• This California lawsuit is part of broader legal challenges Sony faces globally over PlayStation Store practices, with potential implications for digital storefront disclosure standards industry-wide depending on the court's ruling.