In response to monopoly allegations, Valve CEO Gabe Newell stated that Steam does not dictate prices to developers and PC users are free to buy games from whichever storefront they prefer. The allegations stem from a lawsuit initially filed in 2021 by independent developer Wolfire Games LLC, which argues that Valve has abused its position in the industry by enforcing a platform-wide "Most Favored Nation" pricing policy. According to the developer, this policy prevents publishers from selling their games on other platforms at prices lower than those offered on Steam.
One of the plaintiff's central claims is that Steam's dominant position in the PC gaming market gives Valve unfair control over pricing, enabling the company to overcharge publishers through its 30% revenue-sharing model. For comparison, the Epic Games Store does not charge publishers any fees on their first $1 million in revenue during the first year. After that threshold is reached, its revenue-sharing policy allows publishers to retain 88% of their revenue, with Epic taking only a 12% cut.
Valve finds itself in the crosshairs of another lawsuit, as a case in the state of Washington has been filed against the PC gaming giant.
A previously unreported...
