PlayStation fans are accusing Sony of experimenting with dynamic pricing on the PlayStation Store. The reaction is far from positive. Players are noticing that the same games are being sold at different prices to different users.
Evidence on Reddit Goes Viral
It all started when Reddit user DarXIV made a post on November 5 in the PlayStation subreddit. They were going to buy Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition when they noticed it was listed for $14.99 on their wife’s account, but $19.99 on theirs. Both accounts were on the same console, same region, same currency, and neither had a PlayStation Plus subscription.
The only difference between the two accounts is that DarXIV’s wife barely used her account. It caused some to theorize that Sony is offering cheaper prices to inactive users to lure them back, while charging more to active accounts.
Another Reddit user called Cash-Machine shared a similar story. They bought ARC Raiders after going a month without using their PS5. As soon as the game was installed, they got a notification that a game on their wishlist, Rise of the Ronin, was on sale. However, after checking PSPrices, the “sale” didn’t exist for anyone else. Indian PS5 players have reported seeing different prices for the same games, based on who’s logged in.
Dynamic Pricing 101
Dynamic pricing is when a company adjusts prices in real time based on factors like demand, inventory, or consumer behavior. It’s why an Uber driver will cost more during rush hour or why the price of your plane ticket rises before a major holiday.
For video games that are sold digitally, dynamic pricing feels out of place. There’s no physical inventory to move. You don’t have to worry about a bunch of files going out of stock. There’s something messed up about seeing a game sold at two different prices for different users.
Why Players Feel Betrayed
Gamers have tolerated microtransactions, issues with pre-orders, and expensive deluxe editions. For them, dynamic pricing crosses a line.
The idea that PlayStation might be charging loyal, active players more than those who barely log is insane. Despite the growing criticism, the Japanese publisher hasn’t publicly acknowledged the change.
That makes it worse because it’s being forced onto players without warning. A simple heads up would have sufficed. Instead, it feels like Sony is secretly testing players’ tolerance and hoping they won’t notice.
A Growing Pattern
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. About a year ago, Astro Bot was selling for $44.99 to some users and $59.99 to others. This was just two months after the game had launched. Back then, it was written off as a glitch. Now, it’s looking more deliberate.
Is Dynamic Pricing Legal?
Unfortunately, dynamic pricing is still legal. Companies across different industries use it, from airlines to Amazon. It’s only illegal if it violates antitrust laws, consumer protections, or discriminates against consumers based on things like race or gender.
Some regulators are taking steps to rein in dynamic pricing. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has started investigating AI-driven pricing systems that exploit consumer data. Similar discussions are happening in the EU and the US.
For now, there’s no law that will stop Sony from experimenting with price variation on video games. Remember that just because something is legal doesn’t mean that it’s ethical.
