Mexican lawmakers to file antitrust complaint against Sony over physical game discs

Mexican lawmakers Iraís Reyes and Luis Donaldo Colosio are preparing to file an antitrust complaint against Sony with Mexico's Federal Competition Commission. The action is a response to Sony's recent announcement that it plans to stop releasing first-party physical game discs starting in 2028.

The lawmakers argue that by moving entirely to digital distribution through the PlayStation Store, Sony could create a monopoly on the market. They contend this would grant Sony control over game pricing and limit consumer choice.

The complaint aims to investigate whether Sony's decision violates antitrust laws. The legislators want to determine if Sony is leveraging its market position to become the sole distribution channel for games on the PlayStation platform, potentially harming consumer interests and other market participants' competitive opportunities.

Critics point to past incidents, such as Sony revoking access to previously purchased digital content for European users in 2022 and recently announcing the removal of digital access to over 500 movies and TV shows. These actions are cited as evidence of potential anti-competitive behavior.

Furthermore, the shift to digital-only distribution could impact physical retailers and the second-hand game market. Concerns have also been raised about players losing true ownership of games, as digital versions are often considered licenses rather than owned property. The complaint also notes that many players, particularly in developing countries, lack reliable high-speed internet access necessary for digital downloads.