A sweeping UK class action lawsuit is moving forward against Valve, targeting the company’s long‑standing 30% Steam commission and alleging years of inflated prices for millions of British consumers. The case—now officially cleared for trial—has the potential to reshape how dominant digital storefronts operate and could cost Valve up to £656 million in damages.
The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled that Valve must face a massive class action lawsuit accusing the company of abusing its dominant position in the PC gaming market. The claim, filed in June 2024 by Vicki Shotbolt, CEO of Parent Zone, argues that Valve’s standard 30% revenue share on Steam constitutes an “excessive commission” that ultimately drives up prices for consumers.
Shotbolt’s legal team contends that Steam’s structure effectively locks users into Valve’s ecosystem, especially when it comes to purchasing DLC or add‑on content. Because these purchases must be made through Steam, the lawsuit argues that consumers are denied meaningful choice and are forced to accept Valve’s pricing and terms. The case represents approximately 14 million Steam users in the UK, all of whom may have been affected by what the claim describes as anti‑competitive practices.
Valve attempted to halt the lawsuit, arguing that the claims lacked merit and should not proceed to trial. However, the Tribunal rejected that position, stating that the case raises issues substantial enough to warrant full judicial examination. This ruling ensures that Valve will now have to defend its business model in court.
The Backstory: How Steam’s 30% Cut Became a Flashpoint
Steam’s 30% commission has been an industry standard for over a decade, dating back to a time when digital distribution was still emerging. For years, Valve’s platform dominated PC gaming so thoroughly that developers and publishers had little alternative but to accept the terms. As competitors like Epic Games Store, GOG, and Microsoft Store began offering lower revenue splits, public scrutiny of Valve’s model intensified.
By 2024, consumer advocates and digital rights groups were increasingly vocal about the potential harm caused by platform lock‑in and high commissions. Shotbolt’s filing emerged from this climate, positioning the lawsuit as a challenge not just to Valve’s fees, but to the broader question of how digital marketplaces should operate in a modern, competitive environment.
The legal action is backed by Milberg London LLP, a firm known for large‑scale consumer claims. Documents submitted in late 2025 show that the Tribunal was satisfied that the case had enough substance to proceed, marking a significant milestone in a dispute that could influence global digital commerce standards.
What Happens Next?
With the Tribunal’s decision, the lawsuit now moves toward a full trial. No date has been set, but the stakes are enormous: if successful, the claim could award up to £44 per affected Steam user, totaling £656 million in damages.
Beyond the financial implications, the case could force Valve—and potentially other digital storefronts—to rethink long‑standing revenue models and platform restrictions. For an industry built on digital ecosystems, the outcome may set a precedent that reverberates far beyond the UK.
