The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has ruled that a £656m collective claim against Valve may proceed, marking a significant legal advance for a case that alleges the company overcharged UK Steam customers.

The claim was brought by digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt and law firm Milberg London LLP. It asserts that Valve used Steam's 'dominant position' in the PC-games market to act 'anti-competitively', leaving consumers 'paying too much for PC games and in-game content' and reducing 'PC game platform alternatives'.

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The action covers purchases made on Steam since early June 2018. If successful, the litigation could entitle affected UK customers to compensation of up to £44 each, with the total claim value put at £656m.

The tribunal's decision means Valve must now defend the allegations in the UK legal process rather than having the claim dismissed at an early stage. The ruling follows earlier attempts by Valve's legal team to challenge the case's progression.

The case will proceed through the CAT's procedures, with further case management hearings expected as the claim moves towards disclosure and substantive consideration of the competition law allegations.

Coverage and commentary on the ruling is available from Rock Paper Shotgun.

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun