On January 26, 2026, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal granted the collective-proceedings application in the claim brought by Vicki Shotbolt Class Representative against Valve. This allowed the case to proceed; it was not a finding that Valve had broken the law.
The claim concerns UK purchasers of PC games and add-on content. The application estimated a class of up to about 14 million consumers and aggregate damages of up to £656 million. That is a provisional claim amount, not a guaranteed payout.
Allegations include restrictions affecting prices on other stores, the purchase of add-on content, and commissions. The argument is that these practices raise prices or limit competition. The tribunal’s certification decision addresses whether the claims can be brought collectively.
My original post compared Steam with competing stores and noted that its community and Workshop features make it attractive to players. That practical appeal does not decide the legal competition questions.
Read the official case page for judgments, the class definition, dates, and procedural developments. The original estimate of £22–44 per person should not be treated as money already owed.
Adapted from the original Chinese article, published on January 29, 2026.
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