Little by little, some very large video game companies, including those that own platforms, are coming face to face with commercial and competition laws in different countries that are finally reviewing what is happening in gaming, a business undervalued by many national authorities. This time, Steam is in the crosshairs of the United Kingdom and could face a lawsuit for almost $1,000 million.
Valve and Steam accused of violating competition laws in the United Kingdom
According to information from the BBC, Valve was accused of violating UK competition law, alleging that it used its power and dominant position in the market to undermine competition, something it has done over the past 6 years. The above is part of the lawsuit filed by Vicki Shotbolt, a digital rights activist, who filed it against the company that owns Steam before the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. In this regard, Valve is expected to pay $840 million in refunds as a result of violations of competition laws because “it is manipulating the market and taking advantage of UK players.”
According to the activist, who also has the support of the law firm Milberg London LLP, Valve “forces” publishers to sign price parity agreements, which prevents them from putting their games on sale at a lower cost on other distribution platforms. of PC games. This causes effects on two sides, first, companies have no choice since Steam is the largest PC platform so they are pressured to make these types of decisions; Second, since there is no competitive environment, other platforms cannot grow and the user is also affected in terms of the options offered by the market.
Likewise, activist Vicki Shotbolt pointed out that Valve’s position in the market, and also in the specific case of the United Kingdom, allows it to maintain installments of 30% of the income obtained, a percentage that has also been criticized by Tim Sweeney of Epic Games.
On the other hand, Natasha Pearman, a lawyer at Milberg London LLP, stated: “Competition law is there to protect consumers and ensure that markets function properly. When they do not function properly and consumers are harmed, industrial action “These guys give consumers a voice and a way to hold big companies, like Valve, accountable.”
Still here, at LEVEL UP.
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