Steam’s 30% Cut Faces Class-Action Lawsuit: Developers Fight Back

Steam’s 30% Cut Faces Class-Action Lawsuit

Developers Fight Back

A 2021 antitrust dispute against Steam is now a class-action lawsuit. Initially involving Wolfire Studios and Dark Catt Studios, the lawsuit now includes “any developers, publishers, or individuals” affected by Steam’s 30 percent cut since January 28, 2017.

Wolfire Games, unhappy with Valve’s commission, filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2021, arguing Valve’s market dominance allows it to unfairly profit. Their May 2022 complaint alleges Valve’s Platform Most Favoured Nations (PMFN) policy is anti-competitive, impacting consumers and game companies by increasing prices and reducing profits.

The plaintiffs claim this violates antitrust laws, including Washington’s Consumer Protection Act. They seek class-wide remedies. Valve challenged expert testimony on its market share but the court dismissed the challenge.

Wolfire and Dark Catt are the class representatives.

Key Arguments:

• Steam earns a supracompetitive commission.
• Game companies can’t compete between distribution platforms.
• Rival platforms can’t succeed.