In a landmark decision that could reshape the digital landscape of PC gaming, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has ruled that a massive £656 million (approx. $900 million) collective action lawsuit against Valve Corporation can proceed to trial. The judgment, delivered yesterday, January 26, 2026, rejects Valve's attempt to dismiss the case, setting the stage for one of the most significant antitrust battles in PC gaming news 2026. The lawsuit accuses the Steam operator of abusing its dominant market position to enforce unfair pricing and stifle competition.

Tribunal Rejects Valve's Bid to Block the Case

The Competition Appeal Tribunal officially granted a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) on Monday, allowing digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt to lead the class-action claim on behalf of approximately 14 million UK gamers. Valve, the Bellevue-based giant behind the Steam storefront, had vigorously argued that the case should be thrown out before reaching a full trial, claiming the plaintiffs failed to provide a credible methodology for calculating damages.

However, the Tribunal found that the claim met the necessary legal standards to move forward. This Steam UK tribunal ruling is a pivotal moment for digital consumer rights, as it certifies the case as a "collective action"—effectively the UK's version of a class-action lawsuit. If successful, Valve could be forced to pay out hundreds of millions of pounds to users who purchased games or add-on content on the platform since June 2018.

Inside the Allegations: Steam Monopoly Claims Explained

At the heart of the lawsuit are allegations that Valve has systematically eliminated PC game storefront competition through restrictive business practices. The claim, filed by Shotbolt and represented by the law firm Milberg London LLP, focuses on three core accusations regarding how Steam operates:

  • Price Parity Obligations: The lawsuit alleges Valve forces publishers to sign agreements that prevent them from selling their games at lower prices on rival platforms, effectively keeping prices artificially high across the market.
  • Excessive Commissions: Critics argue that Valve's standard 30% revenue cut—often dubbed the "Steam tax"—is an excessive fee that bears no relation to the actual cost of hosting the content, with the cost ultimately passed down to consumers.
  • Anti-Steering Provisions: The claim asserts that Valve unfairly restricts publishers from directing players to buy in-game content (DLC) through other, cheaper channels, locking them into the Steam ecosystem.

"Valve is rigging the market and taking advantage of UK gamers," Shotbolt stated when the claim was first filed. With the tribunal's green light, these Steam monopoly claims will now be scrutinized in a court of law, potentially exposing the inner workings of the world's largest PC gaming platform.

What This Means for 14 Million UK Steam Users

The stakes for British gamers are tangible. The lawsuit seeks compensation for anyone in the UK who purchased a PC game or DLC on Steam from June 5, 2018, to the present. Estimates suggest that if the claimants win, eligible users could receive individual payouts ranging between £22 and £44.

While this might seem small per person, the aggregate total of £656 million represents a historic challenge to Steam unfair pricing practices. The outcome could also set a precedent affecting how digital marketplaces operate globally, potentially forcing Valve to relax its pricing rules or commission structures to allow for genuine competition from rivals like the Epic Games Store or GOG.

Valve's Defense and the Road Ahead

Valve has maintained that the accusations are baseless. During the certification hearings, Valve's legal team argued that the lawsuit ignored the existence of "Steam Keys"—codes that allow developers to sell games on other stores while still letting players redeem them on Steam, often without Valve taking a cut. They claimed this feature proves the market is competitive and that the 30% commission is a standard industry practice rather than an abuse of power.

Despite these arguments, the Tribunal's decision ensures that Valve must now defend its business model in a full trial. This case mirrors similar antitrust pressures Valve has faced in the United States, including the high-profile Wolfire Games lawsuit. As the legal battle unfolds throughout 2026, the industry will be watching closely to see if the "Steam fortress" can withstand this unprecedented legal siege.