Sony is defending its digital storefront practices in a California class-action lawsuit. The company argues that no "reasonable" consumer would believe purchasing a digital game conveys ownership. Sony claims digital purchases are ultimately revocable licenses, not ownership transfers.

A lawsuit filed in June alleges Sony fails to clearly disclose this at the point of sale, instead relegating information to separate disclaimers. Sony responded on August 21, arguing that digital ownership is impossible because multiple consumers can purchase the same title. The filing references the Play Station Store listing for Resident Evil Requiem as evidence that ownership cannot be transferred.

Sony recently reminded customers that digital games are licensed, not sold, and reiterated its commitment to ending physical game production by 2028 despite consumer backlash.