Steam
Valve denies wrongdoing, but a successful case could lead to compensation for millions of UK players and changes to digital game pricing. Facebook/Steam

Millions of UK gamers could be affected by a £656 million legal challenge against Valve Corporation after a competition tribunal ruled that a lawsuit over Steam's pricing practices can proceed to a full trial.

The case focuses on allegations that Valve used its dominant position in the PC gaming market to keep prices artificially high on its Steam platform. The Competition Appeal Tribunal's decision clears the way for one of the largest collective consumer actions ever brought against a digital games marketplace in the UK.

While the ruling does not establish that Valve has broken competition law, it represents a significant development in how UK courts assess the market power of global technology firms. Legal specialists say the outcome could have implications for digital pricing, platform fees and consumer protections.

Claims Against Steam and Valve

The claim was filed in 2024 by children's digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt on behalf of UK Steam users. Lawyers representing the claimants estimate that up to 14 million consumers could fall within the scope of the action.

It alleges that Valve holds a dominant share of the PC games distribution market and imposes contractual restrictions that limit competition. Central to the case is Steam's commission model, under which Valve typically takes up to 30 per cent of revenue from digital game and downloadable content sales.

According to the claim, publishers are discouraged from offering lower prices on rival platforms, reducing competition and preventing alternative stores from undercutting Steam. As a result, the lawsuit argues that UK players have paid more for games than they would have in a more competitive marketplace.

Tribunal Decision and Next Steps

Valve sought to block the case at an early stage, arguing that it should not be certified as a collective action. The Competition Appeal Tribunal rejected that challenge, concluding that the allegations raised sufficiently serious issues to warrant examination at trial.

The tribunal emphasised that its decision does not determine whether Valve breached competition law. Instead, it confirms that the claims meet the legal threshold to be tested through evidence, expert analysis and legal argument.

If the claim is ultimately upheld, Valve could be ordered to pay damages to affected consumers. The court could also require changes to how the company structures fees or contracts with publishers operating in the UK.

What It Could Mean for UK Gamers

Steam is the world's largest digital marketplace for PC games and is widely used across the UK. Because of its scale, any changes to its pricing policies or contractual terms could have a direct impact on how much players pay for games and in-game content.

The case echoes similar legal challenges brought against Apple and Google over app store commissions and market dominance. Outcomes in those cases have already prompted regulatory scrutiny and policy changes in several jurisdictions.

For developers, the lawsuit could influence how games are priced across platforms, potentially increasing competition and discounting if restrictions are relaxed.

Valve's Position and Wider Implications

Valve has denied the allegations and said it will defend the case. The company has previously argued that Steam's popularity reflects consumer choice and the value of its services.

Legal observers say the case will be closely watched as a test of how UK competition law applies to global digital platforms. The tribunal's decision signals that claims about digital pricing power are being taken seriously by UK courts, even if a final resolution remains years away.

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