Valve's Steam Platform Accused of Anti-Competitive Practices
Lawsuit Alleges Monopoly, Overcharges
By Shawn Garrett, KIRO 7 News
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Valve, accusing the Bellevue-based company of stifling competition and overcharging consumers through its Steam platform.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Seattle, alleges that Valve has maintained an illegal monopoly in the PC gaming market by restricting price competition and charging excessive fees.
According to the complaint, Valve charges a 30% platform fee on all games and in-game products sold through Steam. This fee, the plaintiffs claim, results in inflated prices for consumers.
The lawsuit also alleges that Valve has barred publishers from offering games on other platforms at lower prices, further limiting competition and raising prices for consumers.
Valve has denied the allegations and said it will vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.
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