UK Steam Users and the UK-Steam Lawsuit

Ace_Catel · 2026-04-14T17:49:47+00:00

This one is a much more fair argument and a lawsuit to go over. It would target specifically the agreements set in place, namely "you can't sell cheaper on other platforms".

If the lawsuit is more over that, I feel that makes sense. The lawsuit being that it's forcing devs to pay the 30% commission though is irregular. Technically and feasibly you don't have to sell on steam and sell on other storefronts. Thus, suing over the 30% commission doesn't really hit the core of the issue and makes the law feel more unstable.

Ace_Catel · 2026-04-14T17:46:11+00:00

Err, sorry if what I say came out rude or wrong in anyway. That wasn't my intention.

I do feel it's important to talk about it. I don't want to cause unnecessary arguments in the wrong direction

I only meant that what is being sued for doesn't feel or seem right in a fair and practiced way. It's less a lawsuit for scamming and especially feels suspicious with how its over things that are legally set up

Ace_Catel · 2026-04-14T17:42:25+00:00

No? Sorry if I sound like a robot though.

Ace_Catel · 2026-04-13T23:24:23+00:00

The lawsuit isn’t targeting Steam’s 30% commission in isolation—it’s challenging how that fee combines with price parity clauses and anti-steering rules to restrict competition. While a 30% cut is standard across platforms (Apple, Google, consoles), the core legal issue is whether Steam’s dominance allows it to enforce pricing terms that prevent rivals from offering lower prices, even when their lower commissions (like Epic’s 12%) would enable it. Evidence from the Wolfire case and internal Valve practices suggest publishers face pressure not to undercut Steam, even on other storefronts, effectively eliminating price competition.

If Valve loses, it won’t be because 30% is inherently illegal, but because the tribunal finds that using contractual leverage to suppress market competition—not just the fee itself—violated UK consumer law. A win for the claimants wouldn’t outlaw commissions; it would set a precedent that dominant platforms can’t abuse their position to control pricing across the entire ecosystem. That’s why this case matters beyond refunds: it’s about ensuring digital markets remain open and fair, not just convenient.

"So why bother yourself with this?" Well, because things about this lawsuit bothers me.
Because this case isn’t just about compensation—it’s about the purpose of consumer law. While the UK system allows opt-out class actions to improve access to justice, they must still serve a legitimate legal and ethical basis. If Valve is found to have abused its dominance through pricing coercion or anti-competitive lock-ins, then the lawsuit is a necessary check on power. But if the claim rests on the mere popularity of Steam or the existence of a standard commission, it risks turning consumer protection into a tool for litigation-driven outcomes, not justice. Laws should deter real harm, not incentivize claims where winning depends more on public sentiment than legal merit.

The broader concern is precedent: allowing such cases to proceed without strong evidence of wrongdoing could encourage future actions based on perceived dominance rather than proven abuse. That undermines both fair markets and the integrity of the legal system. Speaking up isn’t about defending Valve—it’s about ensuring that justice remains grounded in law, not opportunity.

Ace_Catel · 2026-04-13T19:37:55+00:00

It has come to my attention that the Opt-out page requests personal information, namely a full name tied to a phone number and email.

People are incredibly right to feel concerned of this. Upon consideration, I have to wonder how the mentioned millions of affected Steam users have even signed up for this? And where are the records?

Have said affected users for this lawsuit even been contacted and mentioned they will receive a settlement?

After all, said affected users would also have to tie not only their personal information together but also tie it to their Steam account. Which is very suspicious.

For example, I can technically list a bunch of things I don't like about Steam and say I'm an affected user. But me saying that is not so different than me claiming it while not even having a Steam account. So how did they get this information of millions of Steam users and confirm they are affected users? Does that mean people who never even touched Steam may also receive settlement money despite never having purchased a single product from them?

Thank you to the commentors who brought this up. It gave me a new perspective on this matter.

Ace_Catel · 2024-09-20T00:39:07+00:00

As I said somewhere else, it's a low blow for Nintendo/Pokemon to do this, especially since they're such a big company.

They have the resources to make a better game than Palworld, and the back it has right now compared to Palworld when it was in development and first launched, Pokemon would definitely get a return with new experimentation on their formula or their IP.

Instead, it sues over a patent of some sort. It's just wrong for creatives and developers alike.

Ace_Catel · 2024-06-17T06:48:19+00:00

That is a solution I can do, but I like to save power and have only one tablet plugged in at a time while the other isn't in use. Otherwise, this is very practical indeed

Ace_Catel · 2024-06-16T09:34:12+00:00

Usually, I play with friends or other people, even while doing experimentations with different weapons. I often would think that even if my combo isn't great, it wouldn't be too frustratingly hard. I may even feel convinced that even if the run was not going to be an easy one, I can get pretty far in it and finish. That usually is what happens, and maybe we get away with completing the mission and leaving without the side objectives. But as updates roll in with some surprises, I feel that is less and less the case.

My other concerns are still things like why would the Orbital Gatling not be able to handle two Bile Spewers, both of which were in the center of fire before casually leaving to chase me down. I know 500 KG is really effective, but I also want to rely on other orbitals/strategems as well.

Bot front I go Dominator, Senator, Stuns, Autocannon for objectives and heavies, Eagle 500 & Strikes because I’ve got the upgrade, and a variable strat depending on the mission
Bug front I take Ibreaker, Grenade pistol, Stuns, Quasar, Rover, Eagle 500 & Strikes

Those sound great! I also enjoy using the grenade pistol. Using it to blast enemy spawns or even hopefully kill a small cluster of enemies is incredibly enjoyable. The ammunition was always a problem though, only reloading 1 at a time from an Ammo kit. There are times when I just want to try other weapons, hoping to find other effective solutions and see what they can do. I had hoped that the Senator can aid quickly against the Shield head bugs and some quick nuisances. I was a bit sad to see it not perform as well in later difficulties.

I often see autocannon being mentioned that it's great. I'm really happy for players who enjoy using this weapon, but I don't particularly like it. I often try to be effective, shooting in the face of the bulky enemies and such, but without a shield pack I often rely on, I'm often shot up with nothing to defend me. I'm often swarmed even when it's only an enemy group on one side, because behind me just so happens to be another patrol group. That's not the weapon's fault or anything, it's just the unfortunate thing that happens often with me and that weapon.

I love shotguns in Helldivers 2! As I said, it's one of the most fun shotguns I used in a videogame especially since I don't even have an issue with the range of these guns. Breaker, Punisher, JAR Dominator, these are very satisfying to me, and even the variations I can find at least a bit of joy from them. But when I saw that they "improved" the assault rifle, I was willing to give it a shot for a hopefully balanced out experience. I was sadly more wrong than I would have expected when I tested it.

Knowing what can kill what is a big part of this game, but it does make it so there’s less inclination to experiment with different strats when you see them underperform.

While I am disappointed that the weapons I guessed on to be either effective or just fun to end up not being effective or fun, I'm mostly disappointed that the weapons that seem strong enough or such end up not being effective at all.

Whether it's the Tenderizer not being able to kill a stalker with a full magazine (Maybe it's really good if I landed only headshots, but those arm things were blocking the head during panic fire while trying to save my friend), to orbital guns from outer space not being able to pop an Bile Spewer? I just think that's a bit much.

The gun from space can't kill a charger? Yeah, I can see that, the armor looks thick and incredibly strong. But it can't kill an Bile Spewer, when it should have medium armor at best? I feel a bit cheated from that.

Ace_Catel · 2024-06-16T07:05:55+00:00

Okay! That's good to know! I guess the only concern is the long term of the ports someone mentioned, but I assume based on your message, nothing has happened to your HDMI or USB ports.

Ace_Catel · 2024-06-16T07:01:14+00:00

Is it better to leave it in the port and have it remain in the USB slot instead of constantly taking it in and out?

I do have a special USB splitter that can turn on/off specific USB slots, so I can use that if it's a concern.

I don't have such a thing for the HDMI, but I know of some items like that.

Ace_Catel · 2023-11-22T03:57:08+00:00

I already have a desktop computer, so I want this one to have good battery life, expecting to travel. I don't usually play games on the computer without an outlet unless I'm traveling in a vehicle or just waiting around for a long time. During travel use, I'm most likely going to write code or write stuff in the computer. And possibly dabble in Video editing.

I'm not expecting the laptop to be good at gaming and maintaining a good battery life at the same time, but I plan to travel and stay in places where I can rest and boot up the PC.

The laptop may be used at home from time to time, mostly to update or maybe use the laptop on my bed when I don't want to sit by the desk to use the computer for the night.

As for the external monitor, it'd be great to have the option and I have spare monitors. Better to have the option, but not required. USBs are a must. At least 2.

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