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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has allowed a consumer class action against Valve, the operator of Steam, to proceed. The claim alleges that Valve’s practices harmed UK buyers of PC games and add-on content. The CAT has not ruled that Valve broke competition law, and no compensation has been awarded.
What has happened to the claim?
On 26 January 2026, the CAT granted the application for a collective proceedings order in the case brought by Vicki Shotbolt Class Representative Limited against Valve Corporation. This allows the opt-out collective action to proceed; it is a procedural decision, not a decision on whether the allegations are true. The Tribunal said: “The Tribunal concluded that the Authorisation Condition was satisfied and it was just and reasonable for the PCR to act as class representative in the proceedings.” The statement concerns certification, not liability. See the CAT case materials.
The case is brought under section 47B of the Competition Act 1998, combining stand-alone claims under section 47A. The CAT’s case materials refer to alleged infringements of section 18 of the Act and Article 102 TFEU for the period up to 31 December 2020. The case page lists a case management conference on 22 June 2026 and the next conferences for 9 December 2026 and 18 March 2027. Those are case-management dates, not a trial date; check the live CAT case page for updates.
What does Valve allegedly have to pay?
The CAT judgment describes the claimant’s provisional aggregate damages estimate as up to £656 million, for a proposed class of up to 14 million UK consumers. This is an estimate, not money awarded by the Tribunal. The widely used “$843 million” headline is a conversion of the pound figure; £656 million is the amount stated in the court record.
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The claimant, Steam You Owe Us, estimates that an affected person might receive about £22 to £44, and says Scottish consumers may be eligible for more. That is the claimant’s estimate, not a guaranteed payment or an amount determined for any individual. The claimant’s FAQ says payment is not guaranteed.
What does the claim say Valve did?
The claimant alleges that Valve abused a dominant position through three practices. These remain allegations to be proved; certification does not establish that Valve engaged in them or that consumers suffered the claimed loss.
Platform parity terms
The claimant says Valve’s terms allegedly prevent publishers from offering games through other stores on better terms than those offered on Steam. The theory is that this can constrain competition between PC game distribution channels and limit consumers’ access to better prices elsewhere.
Requirements affecting add-on purchases
The claim alleges that, for games distributed on Steam, add-on purchases—including downloadable content, subscriptions, and in-game microtransactions—are channelled through Steam’s API and payment processing. The claimant says these anti-steering requirements restrict how publishers can direct customers to other purchase routes.
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Allegedly excessive commissions
The claimant also alleges that Valve charges excessive commissions and that those costs are passed through to consumers. Whether the commissions were excessive, whether they were passed on, and whether the alleged conduct caused compensable loss are issues for the proceedings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who may be included?
The proposed class covers end-consumers who paid for PC games or add-on content, including subscriptions and in-game microtransactions. The claimant’s FAQ gives different class periods by location:
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| Location | Claimant-stated class period |
|---|---|
| England, Wales and Northern Ireland | 4 June 2018 to 4 June 2024 |
| Scotland | 1 January 2010 to 4 June 2024 |
According to the claimant’s FAQ, qualifying people domiciled in the UK on 11 March 2026 are automatically included in the opt-out class. Qualifying people who were not domiciled in the UK must opt in to participate; the FAQ gives 23 October 2026 as the end of the extended opt-in period. Eligibility depends on the defined class and the facts of a person’s purchases and domicile. Consult the current claimant FAQ and CAT materials for the applicable terms rather than treating this summary as an individual legal determination.
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What should consumers do now?
- If you were UK-domiciled on 11 March 2026 and believe your purchases fall within the class, read the claimant’s current FAQ to understand the claimed class definition and what automatic inclusion means.
- If you were not UK-domiciled on that date, check the claimant’s current opt-in instructions and deadline. The FAQ currently states 23 October 2026; verify that date and the process before acting.
- Keep purchase records if you have them, but do not assume that eligibility guarantees compensation or that the claimant’s per-person estimate will be your payment.
- Follow the CAT case page for procedural developments. A case-management conference is not a ruling on the allegations.
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