Gaming enthusiasts in the UK are up in arms as the gaming giant Steam, known for its digital distribution platform for PC games, is facing a massive lawsuit. Valve Corporation, the owner of Steam, is being accused of allegedly overcharging 14 million UK gamers to the tune of £656 million.

The case, filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, claims that Valve has been using its dominant position in the market to manipulate prices and stifle competition in the PC gaming industry. Digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, spearheading the legal action, asserts that Valve’s practices have led to excessive commissions of up to 30%, ultimately causing UK consumers to pay more for games and add-ons.

The lawsuit, categorized as a collective action claim, is aimed at representing a larger group of affected individuals. Shotbolt alleges that Valve has violated UK competition laws for several years and aims to seek justice for the impacted gamers.

Steam, a popular platform for purchasing games and in-game content, witnessed remarkable success in 2023, with record-breaking sales exceeding $9 billion globally. Despite its financial achievements, concerns have been raised about the concentration of the market, with the top 10 games accounting for a significant portion of sales.

Legal support for the case comes from Milberg London LLP, a firm specializing in group action lawsuits against major corporations. Natasha Pearman, a partner at the law firm, emphasizes the importance of competition laws in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring fair market practices.

This legal battle against Valve is part of a broader trend of collective actions targeting tech giants. Similar lawsuits have been initiated against companies like Facebook, Google, and Sony, reflecting a growing demand for accountability and consumer protection in the digital realm.