If you buy a PC game today, chances are it’ll arrive in the form of a Steam key. While alternatives like Epic Games Store provide some competition, the platform remains the default for most. Its dominance has since prompted a lawsuit, which accuses Valve of “rigging the market and taking advantage of UK gamers.”
Backed by legal firm Milber London LLP, digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt submitted the claim against Valve to the Competition Appeal Tribunal as a collective action. As such, Shotbolt is suing on behalf of a much larger party, specifically UK gamers.
According to BBC News, Shotbolt alleges Valve “forces” publishers to maintain price-parity on other platforms. They also take issue with the 30% commission the company earns on each game sale, describing it as “excessive.” It’s worth noting, however, that this rate only applies to the first $10 million in sales. Even so, this is still much higher than Epic Games and Microsoft’s 12% commission
Shotbolt’s objectives are “to stop this unlawful conduct and help people get back what they are owed.” They allege Valve has been in breach of UK competition law for the past six years at minimum. In light of this claim, they seek £656m in damages. By the plaintiff’s calculations, if successful this could amount to up £44 in compensation for affected parties. You can read more about the claim and the parties involved on steamyouoweus.co.uk.
This isn’t the first lawsuit Valve has faced on similar grounds. The company faced a 2021 lawsuit regarding practices of forced price parity. Both the Australian government and European Union have also previously ruled in favour of suits against Valve.
Club386 has reached out to Valve for comment.