Valve must face a 656 million pound lawsuit in Britain after a tribunal ruled that claims over its commission practices on the Steam online store can proceed. The decision marks another significant moment in a growing wave of mass legal actions targeting major technology platforms over their market power.
The case centres on allegations that video game developer and distributor Valve charged excessive commissions to publishers using its Steam platform. The lawsuit was filed in 2024 on behalf of up to 14 million people in the United Kingdom who bought games or additional content through Steam or other platforms from 2018 onwards.
Lawyers acting for children’s welfare advocate Vicki Shotbolt argue that Valve abused its dominant position by restricting how publishers sell their products. According to the claim, Valve imposes conditions that prevent publishers from offering games more cheaply or earlier on rival platforms, effectively limiting competition.
Allegations of unfair commissions
The legal action also alleges that Valve requires customers who buy a game through Steam to purchase all additional content through the same platform. Lawyers say this practice locks users into Steam and restricts consumer choice, even when alternative platforms may offer better value.
As a result, Shotbolt’s legal team argues Valve is able to charge commissions of up to 30 percent, which they describe as unfair and excessive. These arguments were set out in detail during a hearing held in October, when lawyers said the commission structure ultimately harms consumers by keeping prices artificially high.
Valve has denied wrongdoing and argued that the case should not be certified to proceed to a full trial. Certification is an early but crucial stage in UK competition cases, as it determines whether claims can move forward on a collective basis.
Tribunal allows case to continue
On Monday, the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London rejected Valve’s attempt to halt the proceedings. The ruling means the lawsuit can now continue towards trial, exposing the company to potential liability running into hundreds of millions of pounds.
Valve did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the ruling.
The case is the latest in a series of mass actions in Britain that challenge the commission models used by major digital platforms. Similar lawsuits have already been allowed to proceed against Apple over its App Store and Google over its Play Store. Those cases also focus on commissions of up to 30 percent and the alleged impact on competition and consumers.
Wider legal pressure on Valve
Beyond the United Kingdom, Valve is also facing legal scrutiny elsewhere. In the United States, a separate consumer action brought by gamers was filed in Seattle in August 2024. That case raises similar concerns about competition and pricing within the digital games market.
Together, the lawsuits reflect increasing pressure on digital distribution platforms as regulators and consumers question long established business models. As the British case moves forward, it is expected to be closely watched by both the gaming industry and technology firms operating online marketplaces.
With inputs from Reuters
