Awareness only · official claim below
What this claim is about
Steam, run by Valve, is where most people in the UK buy PC games. The claim, brought by Vicki Shotbolt on behalf of UK players, argues that Valve abused that dominance in two ways: charging publishers an unfairly high commission — up to 30% — on sales through Steam, and imposing rules that stopped those publishers offering the same games more cheaply elsewhere. Together, it says, that kept the prices PC gamers paid higher than they should have been.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal certified the claim in January 2026 — calling it a “paradigm” case for an opt-out class action — so it is heading to a full trial. Nothing has been decided on the facts, and Valve denies wrongdoing.
This is an opt-out claim covering up to 14 million UK players, seeking around £656 million. Eligible people are included automatically, with nothing to sign and nothing to pay. You don’t need a claims company, and LegalClaimPro doesn’t collect your details here. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
How this kind of claim works
Group claims take different forms. Here’s the shape of this one, in plain terms.
- Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT)
- A specialist court that hears large consumer claims about companies breaking competition law.
- Steam
- Valve’s PC gaming store — the dominant place to buy PC games in the UK.
- “Price parity” rules
- Terms that stop a publisher selling its game more cheaply somewhere else. The claim says these kept prices up.
- Opt-out claim
- If you’re eligible you’re included automatically — you pay nothing. Following the official site just keeps you informed.
What the claim argues
A 30% cut on Steam
The claim says Valve charged publishers an unfairly high commission — up to 30% — on games and content sold through Steam.
No cheaper elsewhere
It argues Valve’s rules stopped publishers offering the same game more cheaply on other stores.
Gamers overpaid
It says those two things together kept PC game prices higher than they should have been.
These are allegations; Milberg London, for class representative Vicki Shotbolt runs the claim, and the court has not ruled.
Who’s covered?
- You bought a PC video game, or add-on content for one (extra storylines, characters, features, in-game currency or a subscription), on Steam in the UK
- You paid for it during the period the claim covers — the official site sets out the dates
- It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible people are included automatically — nothing to sign, nothing to pay
How it’s unfolded
- 2024 Vicki Shotbolt files the Steam claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- January 2026 The Tribunal certifies the claim as a “paradigm” opt-out case, clearing it to proceed.
- March 2026 Formal notice of the Collective Proceedings Order is published.
- Next The claim heads toward a full trial.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up?
No. It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible UK players are included automatically. You can follow the official site for updates and any opt-out details.
What’s covered?
PC video games and add-on content (extra storylines, characters, features, in-game currency, subscriptions) that you paid for on Steam.
Will I definitely get money?
No — nothing is decided. The claim is heading to trial and Valve denies the allegations. Any compensation would be decided later; be wary of anyone promising a fixed sum.
Does it cost anything?
No. The claim is funded, so there’s nothing to pay and no fee taken from you. Any compensation would come from Valve.
Who’s running it?
The claim is brought by Vicki Shotbolt with the law firm Milberg London. LegalClaimPro isn’t involved in running it — we’re raising awareness and we don’t collect your details here.
Join the official claim
This claim is run by Milberg London, for class representative Vicki Shotbolt. LegalClaimPro is featuring it to raise awareness — we don’t run the claim and we don’t collect your details here. To take part, register on the official claim site, where you’ll see who’s behind it and their terms before you join.
The official site opens in a new tab. Always check who runs a claim and their terms before sharing your details.