Sony Says Supporting PS5 Devs is a ‘Big Investment’ Amid 30% Commission Fee Discussion
Sony has responded to a class-action lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices by defending its 30% commission fee on PlayStation Store purchases. During an interview with The Game Business, a Sony executive justified the substantial fee by highlighting the company’s extensive support infrastructure for game developers.
According to the statement, Sony works with approximately 10,000 developers and publishers on its platform. To support this ecosystem, the company maintains five dedicated internal teams that provide developers with essential services including development kits, best-practice guidance, public relations support, marketing assistance, and funding opportunities.
The company characterizes this developer support operation as a “big investment,” suggesting that the 30% commission reflects the costs associated with maintaining this infrastructure. This defense comes as Sony faces legal challenges to its commission structure, with plaintiffs claiming the company has monopolized the market by restricting third-party game access on the PlayStation platform.
The case highlights ongoing industry tensions around digital storefront commission rates, with stakeholders debating whether such fees are justified by the services platforms provide to developers.