Valve, the operator of the popular Steam gaming platform, is facing a massive $840 million (£656 million) lawsuit filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. The lawsuit accuses Valve of eliminating competition in the PC gaming market and exploiting its dominant market position to charge excessive prices.
Vicki Shotbolt, digital rights activist and executive director of The Parent Zone, is leading the class action lawsuit. She claims that Valve forces game publishers to enter into price maintenance clauses, which prevents titles from being sold at lower prices on competing platforms. This allegedly allows Steam to charge an unreasonable commission of up to 30%, resulting in inflated costs for British consumers when purchasing PC games and additional content.
Shotbolt is suing to stop the illegal conduct and return money owed to consumers. If the lawsuit is successful, each plaintiff would be entitled to compensation for damages. The hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2024 before the Competition Appeal Court. The duration of the hearing is protected at three weeks, with the possibility of a one-week extension. Valve has already been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
