Valve is set to face a £656 million lawsuit in the UK after being accused of abusing its dominant position in the PC gaming market through anti-competitive and anti-consumer practices.
The opt-out class action is being led by consumer rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, with legal funding provided by Bench Walk Guernsey PCC Limited. The lawsuit alleges that Valve has unfairly restricted competition by preventing games sold on Steam from being offered at lower prices on rival platforms.
According to the campaign website Steam You Owe Us, Valve is accused of imposing price parity restrictions that make it harder for competing storefronts to undercut Steam, allegedly keeping game prices artificially high.
“Valve imposes price restrictions which mean that games sold on Steam cannot be offered at lower prices on other platforms,” the site claims. “This makes it harder for rivals to compete and keeps prices high for consumers.”
Allegations of Anti-Consumer Practices
The lawsuit also takes issue with Valve’s approach to downloadable content. Shotbolt argues that requiring DLC for Steam-purchased games to be bought exclusively through Steam is anti-consumer, as it locks players into Valve’s ecosystem and allows the company to collect commission on every additional transaction.
Another central claim is Valve’s standard 30% revenue cut for games sold on Steam. The lawsuit argues that this commission ultimately impacts consumers by contributing to higher overall prices across the market.
It is also alleged that Valve may refuse to list games on Steam if publishers plan to sell them at lower prices on competing platforms.
Examples cited include Slay the Spire, which is priced at £19.49 on GOG, £9.99 on the Apple App Store, and £19.99 on Steam, as well as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which reportedly costs £64.99 on GOG compared to £68.98 on Steam.
Valve has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.
Who Could Be Eligible for Compensation?
According to the lawsuit’s organisers, anyone in the UK aged 13 or older who has purchased games or DLC on Steam could be eligible for compensation if the case is successful. Parents may also claim on behalf of younger players.
The claim estimates that up to 14 million UK PC gamers may have been overcharged, with potential compensation ranging between £22 and £44 per person, including in Scotland. Participation in the claim is automatic unless individuals choose to opt out, and there is no cost to take part.
While compensation is not guaranteed, further details and FAQs are available through the lawsuit’s official website.
The case represents one of the largest legal challenges Valve has faced in Europe and could have significant implications for how digital storefronts operate if the court rules against the company.
