Sony Asserts That Gamers Understand They Don’t Truly Own Digital Titles

A new California law set to take effect in 2025 aims to ensure that companies clearly inform consumers when they are purchasing digital games that they won’t truly own. Currently, Sony is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that the PS5 manufacturer is failing to properly disclose that digital games are merely licenses. In its latest defense filing, Sony dismisses these claims as unfounded.

“In the digital era, it’s unreasonable to suggest that consumers believe they are gaining ‘ownership’ of a digital game,” Sony stated in its recent court documents. “If that were true, then Plaintiff Edward Heycock wouldn’t have been able to buy Resident Evil Requiem on February 25, 2026, for $69.99 from the PlayStation Store after Plaintiff Jason Mendoza purchased it on February 14, 2026, because Mr. Mendoza, not Sony, would have owned it.”

The crux of the matter revolves around California’s mandate for a “clear and conspicuous” warning label that effectively informs PlayStation users that any digital games they buy can be revoked at any time for any reason. The lawsuit contends that consumers are unaware that they do not actually own the digital titles they purchase. Sony’s counterargument is essentially, “Of course they know! It’s all laid out in the terms of service that most people don’t read!”

As noted, the court is currently deliberating whether the case should proceed to arbitration, which could render the above arguments irrelevant. Alternatively, the lawsuit might advance, potentially leading to a change in the PlayStation Store’s “Buy” button to something like “Purchase a digital license.”

These legal discussions have gained added weight following Sony’s announcement to halt the production of new game discs for the PS6 generation, signaling a shift away from traditional game ownership. Recently, the company humorously reminded European players that the concept of digital ownership is more of a fantasy than reality.