If you are a Steam gamer in the UK, you are now part of a £656-million lawsuit against Valve – Here’s what you need to know
A total of 14 million PC gamers in the UK who bought a game on Steam between 2018 and 2024 are now automatically part of a class-action lawsuit against Valve, the company behind the gaming marketplace.
Earlier this month, the Competition Appeal Tribunal issued a collective proceedings order (CPO) for a class-action lawsuit claim by digital rights Vicki Shotbolt, who is seeking £656 million in damages from Valve on behalf of UK PC gamers who she argues have been overcharged for purchases on Steam.
If you paid for PC games or add-on game content in the UK anytime from 4 June 2018 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or 1 January 2010 in Scotland to 4 June 2024, you are automatically part of the class-action lawsuit.
Anti-competitive allegations
The claim alleges Valve used anti-competitive tactics to block price competition, which led to higher prices for PC games and add-on content on Steam.
In the UK, dominant companies are not allowed to charge anti-competitive prices, and although Steam’s prices may appear to be the lowest, the claim alleges that it achieves this through price restrictions that Valve often imposes on game developers and producers.
“This allows Valve to maintain the monopoly position it has for PC Games as there is no real incentive for gamers to purchase on another distribution platform where a game may be cheaper,” the claimants argue.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the suit to proceed on an opt-out basis, meaning that if you qualify as a claimant, you are automatically eligible for damages if the claim is upheld.
The claim has a dedicated website, SteamYouOweUs, where users can choose to opt out of the lawsuit.
Affected gamers could be owed up to £44
Based on the estimated total damages cited by the claim, UK PC gamers could be eligible for anywhere between £22 to £44 in damages if the lawsuit is successful.
“This is an important moment for any gamer who has purchased a Steam enabled game,” said Vicki Shotbolt upon the certification of the class-action lawsuit.
“That includes millions of gamers who have been impacted by the unfair practices that have resulted in them being overcharged. This is an opportunity for them to get redress and for this major platform to realise that when they act unlawfully, they will be challenged.”
The case will now progress to trial, where Vicki Shotbolt and the class will be represented by Milberg London LLP.
