Sony is the target of an antitrust investigation by the Romanian Competition Council (RCC), responsible for maintaining the balance of competition in the market.
The regulator believes that Sony is using its dominant position in the console market through PlayStation to engage in abusive practices, such as selling games exclusively through the PlayStation Store and preventing competing distributors from obtaining activation codes.
According to the statement from the Romanian authority, shared on ResetEra, Sony’s practices reduce the purchase options for PlayStation compatible games, resulting in higher prices for titles on its consoles.
The regulatory body also cites that these practices discourage Romanian studios from developing games for PlayStation consoles. He says he contacted Sony’s European headquarters to get the necessary information for the process.
Sony’s PlayStation brand is considered a favorite for Romanian gamers. Public data shows that there are approximately more than 1.3 million console users and more than 127 independent studios that would be affected by the Japanese company’s abusive practices.
The RCC will investigate infringements of Romanian law by Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited and its subsidiaries, Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited and Sony Interactive Entertainment Direct Europe Limited.
The controversial case could bring “ammunition” to Microsoft against Sony. Since the first announced the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the giant companies have had public friction.
