Sony says you can’t own a digital game, and any “reasonable” consumer understands that
PlayStation fans disagree.
Playstation. By Getty Images
- Sony argues that PlayStation Store buyers receive licenses, not ownership of digital games.
- A class action lawsuit claims Sony misled users with its “Buy now” wording.
- Sony says its terms already tell buyers they do not own digital products.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
In response to a class action lawsuit, Sony argues that it’s impossible to actually own games in digital format and that it didn’t hide ownership nuances from consumers.
The statement comes amid an ongoing class action lawsuit related to digital goods ownership.
The company argued that its messaging about what users receive after making purchases on the PlayStation Store is clear and that “reasonable consumers would not be misled.”
This was Sony’s response, filed on August 21st in California’s Northern District Court.
The lawsuit was filed in June 2026, with PlayStation users alleging that the company tricked them with deceptive wording when purchasing its products.
According to the lawsuit, by adding a “Buy now” button, the company led consumers to believe they were buying a product (a game) rather than a license to it.
Thus, Sony was accused of failing to comply with California law, which requires companies to clearly communicate to consumers that paying for a digital game doesn’t mean they own it.
Sony’s response to the lawsuit
Sony’s terms of service and software product licensing agreements state that buyers “do not own the product” and “it is not sold for you to own.” However, users argue that it’s not “clear and conspicuous,” as required by California law, because it’s buried deep inside the document, according to Game File.
Sony argues it’s not at fault and says that digital ownership is impossible, since it would mean that only one copy of a game could be sold.
"Were that the case, then Plaintiff Edward Heycock would not have been able to obtain the game Resident Evil Requiem on February 25th, 2026, for $69.99 from the PlayStation Store after Plaintiff Jason Mendoza had obtained Resident Evil Requiem on February 14th, 2026, because Mr. Mendoza, not Sony, would have owned it then," explained Sony in the filing.
It also says “reasonable consumers would not be misled” into thinking they actually own the games they pay to play.
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User reaction to Sony’s response
The company’s response sparked an online discussion.
Sony’s comment that consumers cannot own digital games prompted some Redditors to compare it to physical content, such as books, which are also considered copies that users actually own.
“People get copies that they can keep – they don't expect transfer of immaterial rights with the purchase of a copy. Lawyers use such misleading arguments,” wrote one user.
“They seriously like to say whatever they want, hoping that the judge is old and stupid enough to follow through. Gamers’ argument is to own a COPY of the game,” added another Redditor.
Sony lawyers argue that nobody is stupid enough to believe they actually own digital games, because then only one person could buy GTA 6
by u/Kymmieuwu in technology
“The ‘you're only buying a revocable license’ defense is standard corporate EULA law, but arguing that consumers shouldn't expect ownership because physical scarcity doesn't apply to digital bits is wild,” wrote one netizen, adding, “People aren't expecting exclusive copyright to the entire codebase; they expect the permanent right to execute the copy they paid $70 for without having it wiped from their library when a server contract expires.”
Some Sony clients have already learned what it’s like to suddenly lose material they paid for.
Previously, the company announced that it would remove 551 movies and TV shows from its PlayStation library due to licensing issues. This meant its users would be left without the content they had paid for. The company hasn’t offered a refund or any other solution to this issue.
Soon after, the company revealed that starting in 2028, it will no longer sell PlayStation games via physical discs. This sparked a backlash among users who realized that the change would put their ownership of the games they buy in jeopardy.
Despite users’ disagreement and protests, the company is not backing down. The company went as far as to issue new PlayStation boxes with stickers warning new buyers that newly released games will be digital-only from January 2028.
