Valve is being sued for $841.09 million by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London for allegedly overcharging 14 million UK gamers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is based on the accusation that Valve is shutting out competition in the PC gaming market and forcing game publishers to sign-up to so-called price parity obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tribunal says that these obligations are preventing games form being sold at cheaper prices on rival platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Valve is rigging the market and taking advantage of UK gamers,” said digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, who is bringing the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to this, Valve is able to charge a considerable commission of up to 30% on games and therefore forcing UK players to pay too much for PC titles and add-on content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This claim is backed by legal firm Milberg London LLP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Competition law is there to protect consumers and ensure that markets work properly,” said Natasha Pearman, a partner at the law firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When they don\u2019t work properly and consumers are harmed, collective actions of this kind provide consumers with a voice and a way of holding big companies, like Valve, to account.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n