PlayStation Store dynamic pricing criticized, as sale prices on PS5 games vary by account

Dynamic pricing is a contentious subject, prompting claims of unfairness by retailers. Sony is the latest company to come under fire for this strategy. A Reddit poster noticed that the PlayStation Store was offering Red Dead Redemption 2 at a lower price on his wife's account. Fans are now wondering why some buyers enjoy larger discounts on PS5 games than others.

On the PlayStation subreddit, DarXIV showed how in-family pricing on the PS Store differed. The couple lives in an identical region and makes purchases in the same currency. Even so, on the shared PS5, Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition costs the Redditor $5 more on his account. In 2024, Twisted Voxel highlighted similar reports of varying costs for Astro Bot.

Condemnation was swift from readers, with one poster claiming dynamic pricing should be illegal. While regulations vary by country, the strategy is common in other industries. Rideshare companies often charge more for routes when demand is high. Yet, the reasons for fluctuating PS5 sale prices seem more mysterious.

Many gamers believe that the PlayStation Store considers the history and preferences of buyers. If a player has wishlisted similar titles, that gamer may be more likely to take advantage of a sale. Nevertheless, the marketplace has been accused of being anti-consumerist before.

Problems gamers have with the PS Store

With digital PS5 games only available on the PS store, Sony is facing lawsuits over claims of monopolistic behavior. Recently, it introduced a price comparison feature, showing a title’s lowest price in the past 30 days. Yet, gamers feel that third-party competition would result in even better deals.

Ironically, international buyers wish that Sony would more consistently employ regional pricing. For example, Brazilian console users often pay considerably more than what Steam charges for PC ports. Other marketplaces consider average incomes in countries when pricing games.