Regulatory Probe Launched into PS Store and Steam over Anti-Competitive Concerns

Poland's competition watchdog, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, has initiated an investigation into prominent digital gaming platforms, including Steam and the PlayStation Store, over suspected anti-competitive behaviors. Following an inspection at Sony's Polish headquarters and visits to two unnamed game developers and publishers, the regulator will scrutinize the collected evidence for any signs of prohibited agreements or dominant position abuse by digital game distribution platforms. The potential consequences of such practices could include consumer harm through the exclusion of rival platforms, exploitation of game creators, and inflated prices. Should the investigation uncover evidence of wrongdoing, the implicated companies may face penalties of up to 10% of their annual turnover, while individual managers could be fined up to $507,000. According to Tomasz Chróstny, president of the UOKiK, the shift towards digital game distribution has raised concerns about potential restrictive practices by major industry players, as physical game sales continue to decline in favor of online purchases.