Valve is set to encounter a class action lawsuit in the UK, with proposed damages amounting to £656 million

Image credit: Valve / Steam

Valve Corporation, renowned for its Steam platform, is facing a significant legal challenge in the UK, with a £656 million lawsuit alleging that its revenue share model adversely affects consumers. The lawsuit claims Valve's 30% cut from sales is excessive, potentially leading to higher prices for buyers.

Vicki Shotbolt, CEO of Parent Zone, initiated the case in June 2024, asserting that consumers are indirectly burdened by the steep commission charges imposed by Valve. Furthermore, legal representatives for Shotbolt argue that consumers are forced to acquire game add-ons exclusively via Steam, thus restricting their purchase options.

This legal action aims to represent 14 million users of Steam in the United Kingdom, with damages preliminarily estimated to be as substantial as £656 million. According to Shotbolt’s documents, this equates to an additional cost burden of £8 to £23 on game purchases and £14 to £29 on additional content.

Shotbolt has publicly criticized Valve, accusing the company of manipulating the gaming market to the detriment of UK consumers. Despite securing over £18.6 million in legal funding, Valve has questioned the financial setup backing the lawsuit in an effort to halt the trial proceedings.

In related cases, Valve is already dealing with similar legal concerns in the UK. An antitrust suit from Wolfire Studios against Valve, filed in April 2021 citing similar objections to the 30% revenue cut, was originally dismissed but later revised and resubmitted. Additionally, a separate case from Dark Catt Studios filed in June 2021 was merged with Wolfire's suit in 2022, with class action status being granted in November 2024.