ACCC: Sony misled players over refunds for faulty PlayStation games

The ACCC is taking Sony Europe to court, alleging the video game maker told customers they could not get a refund for faulty PlayStation games.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said Sony Europe violated Australian consumer law by telling customers in September 2017 it did not have to provide them refunds for faulty games that had been downloaded, or more than 14 days since purchase.

It is also alleged consumers were told refunds would be delivered in virtual PlayStation currency instead of money, and refunds would only be awarded if game developers informed buyers the game was irreparably faulty, or otherwise authorised a refund.

ACCC chair Rod Sims said on Wednesday that consumers who buy digital products online had the same rights as they would at a physical store.

"We allege that Sony Europe gave false and misleading information to their customers about their rights in relation to games sold via its PlayStation Store," Mr Sims said.

"Consumer guarantees do not expire after a digital product has been downloaded as we allege Sony Europe told consumers, and refunds must be given in the form of original payment unless a consumer chooses to receive it in store credit."

Proceedings have been instituted in the Federal Court of Australia against both Sony Europe and its parent company Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited.

The ACCC is seeking pecuniary penalties, injunctions, declarations, correctives and costs.