The Performing Right Society has filed a lawsuit against Valve, claiming the company has allegedly used its members' musical works "without permission"

Valve, the owner of Steam, is facing legal action from the Performing Right Society (PRS) over the alleged unlicensed use of its members' music on the gaming platform.

According to PRS, music significantly enhances the gaming experience by adding emotion and immersion, yet Valve has never obtained the necessary licenses for its use, which PRS manages for songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

High-profile games on Steam such as Forza Horizon, FIFA/EA FC, and GTA are notable for including music by PRS members, PRS notes.

PRS has been trying to resolve licensing issues with Valve "for many years," with little engagement from Valve, prompting it to initiate legal action under the UK's s20 Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988. PRS insists that games using its music need to secure a license.

In a press release, PRS stated that unless Valve cooperates and acquires the appropriate license for past and future use of PRS repertoire, the legal proceedings will move forward.

Dan Gopal, PRS for Music's chief commercial officer, emphasized that PRS's mission is to safeguard the value of its members' creations with fairness and openness, adding that legal action is only taken as a last resort.

He underlined the critical role music plays in video games and the need for fair acknowledgment and valuation of the creators' contributions.

In a related development, New York Attorney General Letitia James recently filed a lawsuit against Valve. The lawsuit claims that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 encourage gambling among minors illegally.