Valve, the owner of the popular PC gaming platform Steam, is facing a significant legal challenge in the UK. The company has been accused of overcharging millions of UK gamers in a new £656 million collective action lawsuit.
Allegations of Market Abuse
The lawsuit, filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, accuses Valve of abusing its dominant position in the gaming market. Steam, a leading online video game distribution platform and marketplace, has long been a favorite among PC gamers. However, the legal claim alleges that Valve has stifled competition by requiring game publishers to adhere to price parity obligations. These obligations reportedly ensure that games are never sold for less on competing platforms than on Steam.
Excessive Commissions
The lawsuit further claims that Valve charges an “excessive commission” of up to 30% on sales made through Steam. This practice, the claim argues, has resulted in UK consumers paying inflated prices for games and additional content. The legal action suggests that as many as 14 million UK PC gamers could be entitled to compensation of up to £44 each if the claim succeeds.
Digital Rights Advocate Leads the Charge
Digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, who filed the claim, has been vocal about the issue. She accuses Valve of “rigging” the market to its advantage. “We’ve seen gaming explode in popularity over the recent years – and it plays such an important role in connecting people and building positive life skills, particularly for children and young people,” Shotbolt stated. “So it’s not good enough that gaming consumers are being taken advantage of and charged over the odds.”
A Fight for Fairness
Shotbolt emphasized the importance of this legal action for gamers and their families. “I am bringing this claim on behalf of gamers and their parents to stop this unlawful conduct and help people get back what they are owed,” she said. The claim specifies that individuals who purchased a PC game or add-on content since June 5, 2018, from any platform—not just Steam—might be eligible for compensation.
Valve’s Response
Valve has been contacted for comment regarding the lawsuit but has yet to respond. The case highlights ongoing concerns about competition and pricing practices in the digital gaming market, which continues to grow in size and influence globally.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the gaming community and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case impacts the future of digital game distribution and pricing strategies.
