Steam 2021 Antitrust Lawsuit Upgraded to Class Action Lawsuit
Have you heard about Steam’s antitrust lawsuit? It’s been ongoing for a while, but there’s some new information that just came to light.
Industry veteran Simon Carless shared an update on Twitter, revealing that Wolfire & Dark Catt’s antitrust suit against Steam has been certified as a ‘class action’. This means that all Steam developers who were paid since 2017 are now part of the eligible group. While this doesn’t guarantee the lawsuit’s success, it represents a significant milestone in the case.
The judge’s ruling appoints developers Wolfire and Dark Catt as class representatives, allowing them to take the case to court on behalf of all developers who were paid by Valve after January 28, 2017. If they win, all eligible developers could receive a settlement without having to actively participate in the lawsuit right now.
Wolfire and Dark Catt are suing Valve over alleged anticompetitive practices. They claim that Valve forces developers to keep game prices lower on other platforms, like Epic Game Store or GOG, than on Steam. The lawsuit aims to put an end to these practices and potentially make games cheaper on alternate platforms.
While some fans have defended Steam, it’s important to note that the lawsuit has proceeded despite Valve’s attempts to dismiss it in 2022. If Wolfire and Dark Catt succeed in court, we might see changes in game pricing and sales strategies, leading to more affordable games across different platforms.
It’s essential to follow this case closely as it unfolds, as it could have significant implications for the gaming industry and consumers as a whole. Stay tuned for updates on how this antitrust lawsuit against Steam progresses in the future.
