Sony Hit with Anti-Trust Lawsuit from Mexican Lawmakers Over Plan to End Physical Game Production

Mexican lawmakers are filing an anti-trust complaint against Sony over its controversial decision to cease production of physical games starting in January 2028. According to LevelUp, Federal Representative Iraís Reyes and Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio will submit a complaint to Mexico's National Antitrust Commission, requesting an investigation into Sony for alleged anti-competitive practices in the gaming industry.

Specifically, Reyes and Colosio argue that Sony's move could create a "relative monopolistic practice" violating Mexico's Federal Economic Competition Law by increasing costs, reducing competition, and damaging the gaming market's infrastructure. Their complaint seeks answers on whether Sony's all-digital shift will negatively impact consumers and retailers by funneling purchases through its own online platform rather than allowing physical editions sold at other businesses.

Reyes, known as Mexico's 'gamer representative,' expressed concerns about game ownership, stating, "If discs disappear, anyone who owns a PlayStation will no longer be able to choose where to buy their games and will be forced to purchase them exclusively through Sony’s store." He added, "Sony would become both the referee and the player within its own ecosystem, and we know what can happen when a single company controls every part of the market."

Colosio also raised concerns about the broader gaming market, noting that second-hand and game trading ecosystems could "disappear" due to Sony's move. "Consumers would stop truly owning their video games. With digital distribution, you’re no longer buying a game in the traditional sense — you’re purchasing a license, which means access to the content depends entirely on the conditions established by the company," he said.

Mexico isn't the only country taking action against Sony's digital-only plans. Dutch consumer organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument filed a $457 million lawsuit against Sony in February over allegations of artificially high prices on the PlayStation Store, a case they say now carries more weight due to Sony's decision to phase out physical discs.

However, the EU believes nothing can be done to stop it. Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for consumer protection, told the Irish Mirror that the EU cannot take action, leaving the fate of physical PlayStation games solely in Sony's hands. "It does come down to commercial and contractual freedoms, and companies are free to offer games and services in the manner that they see fit, provided that consumer rights are fully protected in line with national and EU law," he said.