PlayStation controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Bethesda representative apologizes to PlayStation fans over Starfield exclusivity
Company response
In June 2021, Bethesda marketing executive Pete Hines addressed the exclusivity of the game Starfield. He said he understood that PlayStation fans might be frustrated that Starfield would be available only on PC and Xbox, and he apologized to those fans. The statement acknowledged the disappointment of PlayStation users regarding the game's platform availability.
Bethesda marketing executive Pete Hines said he understood that PlayStation fans might be frustrated that Starfield would be available only on PC and Xbox, and apologized to those fans.
Company response
Apology — Bethesda
Sorry, all I can really say is, 'I apologize,' because I'm certain that's frustrating to folks, but there's not a whole lot I can do about it.
Source excerpt
Sorry, all I can really say is, 'I apologize,' because I'm certain that's frustrating to folks, but there's not a whole lot I can do about it.
After months of "will they, won't they" speculation, Microsoft and Bethesda have confirmed that upcoming RPG Starfield will be an Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusive.
And though this may be frustrating for PlayStation owners, Bethesda's longtime marketing boss Pete Hines says he understands this is disappointing, and apologized.
2021
PlayStation user files antitrust suit against Sony
Lawsuit filed
A PlayStation user filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Sony in California, alleging that Sony's restriction on third-party download codes violated antitrust and unfair-competition laws and enabled it to charge supracompetitive prices for digital PlayStation games. The allegations are claims in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
A Sony Playstation user has sued the company over its alleged digital monopoly, saying that it allows Sony to charge supra-competitive prices for digital PlayStation games, the media reported.
Lawyers claimed that “Sony’s 2019 decision to stop PlayStation users from buying third-party download codes is violating antitrust and unfair competition laws”.
The suit seeking a class-action lawsuit has been filed in a court in California, reports The Verge.
2020
PlayStation apologizes for PS5 preorder problems
Company response
PlayStation apologized for problems with the PS5 preorder process after retailers made preorders available earlier than promised and sold out quickly. The company said more PS5 consoles would be released for preorder over the following days and that more would be available through the end of the year.
2020
PlayStation pledges $1 million to causes supporting the Black community
Company response
PlayStation pledged $1 million to causes supporting the Black community amid protests calling for an end to racial injustice. Its CEO also said the company would examine how it behaves as a company and toward its community.
Stated objective. Support causes supporting the Black community.
Company response
Investigation — PlayStation
We are going to take a good hard look at how we behave as a company, and how we behave towards our community.
Source excerpt
As part of this, PlayStation has pledged $1 million “to causes supporting the black community”.
In the weeks since, protests around the world have called for an end to racial injustice, with many companies voicing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
2020
Sony fined over PlayStation refund policy in Australia
Fine or penalty
Australia's Federal Court fined Sony Europe AUD $3.5 million after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found the company guilty of misleading customers about refunds for faulty PlayStation games. Sony Europe admitted liability.
Source excerpt
Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe has been fined $3.5million (£2.8m) by an Australian court after refusing to refund customers who are believed to have purchased faulty digital products.
By doing this, Sony was found guilty of breaking Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
Sony have admitted liability resulting in the $3.5 million fine and will also contribute to the ACCC’s legal costs.
2019
Sony sues over PlayTable name
Lawsuit filed
Sony Interactive Entertainment sued Prizm Labs in a California federal court, alleging that the PlayTable name was too similar to PlayStation and could mislead consumers. Sony sought to stop the alleged infringement and have it handle the naming issues.
Source excerpt
就此事索尼互娱提出几点要求：1.“PlayTable”开发商Prizm Labs立即停止对“PlayStation”品牌的侵权行为，2.将PlayTable、PlayNetwork等名称问题交给索尼处理。
近日索尼互娱在美国加州地方法院起诉了即将发售的桌游主机“PlayTable”开发商Prizm Labs。索尼表示：“PlayTable”这个名字和我们的产品太像了，可能会对消费者产生误导。
A court has ruled that a unit of Japan's Sony Corp broke the consumer law by denying customers refunds for faulty PlayStation games and ordered the company to pay a A$3.5 million (R41 million) fine, Australia's consumer watchdog said.
2011
PlayStation Network security breach and outage
An intrusion into PlayStation Network systems compromised user-account information and forced Sony to suspend the service for an extended period while it investigated, improved security, and restored functionality. The incident generated regulatory scrutiny, consumer criticism, and litigation-related consequences.