Sony is facing a class action lawsuit in the UK over exorbitant prices for PlayStation Store users. The amount of the lawsuit could reach $7.9 billion.

As reported by VGC, the UK’s specialist competition court has granted permission for the claim to proceed to trial. This lawsuit, initiated by consumer rights activist Alex Neil in August, represents 8.9 million PlayStation customers. The suit alleges that Sony, using its dominant market position, has engaged in an unfair practice of charging exorbitant prices on the PlayStation Store.

According to the lawsuit, the company used its near-monopoly position to sell digital games and additional content for PlayStation consoles. It is alleged that Sony does this in order to impose strict conditions on game developers and publishers.

The legal action further asserts that these terms empower the company to dictate the pricing of digital content and impose a 30% commission on each transaction. The lawsuit contends that such a practice leads to consumer prices that are deemed “excessive and unfair,” surpassing the reasonable costs incurred by Sony in providing these services to its customers.

“This is the first step in ensuring consumers get back what they’re owed as a result of Sony breaking the law. PlayStation gamers’ loyalty has been taken advantage of by Sony who have been charging them excessive prices for years. It is significant that the competition court has recognised Sony must explain its actions by ordering them to trial. With this action, we are seeking to put a stop to this unlawful conduct and ensure customers are compensated”, said class representative Neill.

Previously, Sony sought to dismiss the lawsuit, contending that the case was “flawed from start to finish.” Nevertheless, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal authorized class representative Neill to proceed to trial with the claim against the Japanese company.