FIFA's Ultimate Team Mode Ruled As Gambling: Sony Hit With Refund Obligations

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation SONY, is facing financial consequences of an Austrian court ruling that deemed Electronic Arts Inc.'s EA FIFA's Ultimate Team mode as illegal gambling.

According to the German site GamesMarkt (via Games Industry Biz.), the ruling is not being challenged by Sony, making it final. The decision was based on the argument that the ability to sell player cards on a secondary market qualifies the packs as gambling.

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Therefore, the Japanese multinational conglomerate is now obligated to refund the players €336.26 (USD$364). Although this sum may appear modest, there are other potential claimants expressing interest in pursuing similar cases through the Austrian legal firm Padronus.

Moreover, the firm has announced that it will seek claims for other games, such as Valve Corporation's "Counter-Strike," Epic Games' "Fortnite," and Activision Blizzard Inc.'s ATVI "Call of Duty."

But, why does Sony have to pay for this and not EA, the developer of the video game? Because the specific transactions were conducted on the PlayStation Store, making Sony legally accountable.

However, considering the court's ruling, it appears logical to extend the same rules to sales of the game and its Ultimate Team packs across all other platforms where it is available, including Xbox and PC.

Several countries across Europe have expressed concerns that the game's prominent Ultimate Team mode constitutes a form of gambling, prompting actions and inquiries.

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