US EditionUK Legal Action Against Valve over Steam Prices Gets Go Ahead
The case challenges Valve's 30% commission and platform parity clauses that allegedly caused UK gamers to pay higher prices since 2018, involving up to 14 million users.
- Recently, the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London allowed a £656 million collective action to proceed against Valve, enabling the legal challenge to continue.
- Allegations centre on Steam's parity terms and sales rules that require publishers to accept platform parity clauses barring better rival offers and force add-on purchases via Steam, enabling a 30% commission.
- Filed in 2024 by Vicki Shotbolt and backed by Milberg London LLP, the claim covers up to 14 million UK Steam purchasers who bought games or add-ons since 2018.
- Valve contested certification, arguing the claim lacked detailed evidence and workable methodology, while related US cases involve developers Wolfire Studios and Dark Catt Studios over Steam's 30% cut.
- Steam's scale — over 19,000 games in 2025 and $11.7b revenue — means Valve's Steam Deck and recently announced Steam Machine broaden the case's market impact.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Valve Hit With $898M Lawsuit Over 'Excessive' Steam Store Fees, Claims It Inflates Prices
Valve will face a £656 million, or roughly $898 million, lawsuit in the United Kingdom after a London court ruled that a case filed in 2024 can move forward. The lawsuit focuses on the Steam storefront, accusing Valve of using its market dominance to enforce unfair pricing rules and excessive commissions. Critics say those rules limit competition, keep players tied to Steam’s ecosystem, and inflate prices through its 30% cut. According to the BB…
14m Steam users could receive compensation in £656m Valve market rigging lawsuit after UK tribunal rules case can proceed
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled a £656m market rigging lawsuit filed against Valve by digital rights campaigners can proceed, meaning 14m Steam users in the UK could receive compensation.
British tribunal admits class action against Steam operators – allegation: ‘unfaire' 30 percent commissions.
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