Valve is facing a legal battle over how it sets prices and charges fees. A group lawsuit in the UK is seeking around $900 million (or £656 million) in compensation.
Vicki Shotbolt initiated a lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Valve charges unreasonably high fees, ultimately resulting in higher prices for customers.
The lawsuit claims Valve requires developers to agree to terms that prevent them from offering their games for sale on other platforms at lower prices than on Steam. This, the plaintiffs argue, likely stifles competition.
Valve Argues That There’s Not Enough Evidence
Valve argues the lawsuit against its commission fees is invalid because it doesn’t account for Steam Keys.
Valve contends that without a clear understanding of how Steam Keys are factored in, the PCR (presumably a regulatory body) can’t accurately determine the true commission Valve charges. And without knowing the accurate commission, the PCR can’t decide if that charge is unfairly high.
The lawsuit also lacked evidence demonstrating how Steam partners were identified as having paid these supposedly unfair prices.
Even with these points raised, the London Competition Appeal Tribunal decided the lawsuit should continue. Valve hasn’t yet publicly commented on the case.
The lawsuit represents as many as 14 million people, including children. Lawyers for the plaintiff, Shotbolt, estimate the average financial loss for each person is between $30 and $60 (roughly £22 to £44).
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Written by
Mike Straw
Mike has been a gaming journalist since 2012, covering major industry events and also working as an investigative reporter.
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2026-01-27 19:19