Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

SteamOS

2026-04-01T11:07:00Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Changed a link to a citation.

SteamOS is a [[Valve]] developed operating system with great emphasis on it being meant for gaming as it comes with [[Steam]] preinstalled which is the company's video game storefront. SteamOS is a Linux distribution, based on Arch Linux, and is used primarily for Valve's first-party gaming hardware, including the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame but also runs on third-party hardware. Starting in 2025, Valve added support to include third-party devices. This includes handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. It can alternatively be installed on personal computers but comes without official support from Valve at this moment in time although this could change in the future.<ref>"We are working on broadening support, and with the recent updates to Steam and SteamOS, compatibility with other AMD powered PC handhelds has been improved."[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]</ref> The core of the operating system is free and open-source software, while the Steam client remains proprietary.<ref>"'''Is SteamOS open source?'''

SteamOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution, and all of the base operating system components are open source. SteamOS ships with our Steam Client program, which is proprietary software, in addition to some proprietary third party drivers."[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]</ref>
<references />

GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase

2026-04-01T10:58:43Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Added a link to SteamOS article.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Rockstar Games
|StartDate=2024-09-17
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Grand Theft Auto V
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Anti-cheat, Forced Migration, Privacy,
|Description=
}}
'''Grand Theft Auto V''' was released in 2013. On 17 September 2024 (11 years after release), [[Rockstar Games]] implemented a controversial update that included a more invasive and dangerous [[Kernel level anti-cheats|kernel level anti-cheat]] by BattlEye.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Sep 2024 |title=GTAV Title Update 1.69 Notes |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/271590/view/6356356787200715684?l=english |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/gtav-title-update-1.69-notes |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>

==Background==
This update retroactively restricted online usage on the [[Windows]] OS, despite being fully functional on alternative operating systems like Linux and [[SteamOS]]. Despite Rockstar's claim that ''GTA 5 Online'' is not supported by Steam Deck,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Sep 2024 |title=Grand Theft Auto Online BattlEye FAQ |url=https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/33490543992467/Grand-Theft-Auto-Online-BattlEye-FAQ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/screenshot-20260324-173528975-1 |archive-date=2024-09-19 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Rockstar Games]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-17 |title=Grand Theft Auto Online BattlEye FAQ (updated) |url=https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/1nenwhZlVrJY6CTFeSS2Fx/grand-theft-auto-online-battleye-faq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0325-0244-20/https://support.rockstargames.com:443/articles/1nenwhZlVrJY6CTFeSS2Fx/grand-theft-auto-online-battleye-faq |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=[[Rockstar Games]]}}</ref> ''GTA 5 Online'' did work prior to this breaking change. Furthermore, BattlEye is compatible with Linux,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@TheBattlEye |date=24 Sep 2021 |title=BattlEye has provided native Linux and Mac support for a long time and we can announce that we will also support the upcoming Steam Deck (Proton). This will be done on an opt-in basis with game developers choosing whether they want to allow it or not. |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/TheBattlEye/status/1441477816311291906 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324174533/https://nitter.catsarch.com/TheBattlEye/status/1441477816311291906 |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref> and compatibility can be enabled by an email to the BattlEye developers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=6 Nov 2021 |title=Supporting Linux / Proton and the Steam Deck with BattlEye is just an email away |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2021/11/supporting-linux-proton-and-the-steam-deck-with-battleye-is-just-an-email-away/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328091440/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2021/11/supporting-linux-proton-and-the-steam-deck-with-battleye-is-just-an-email-away/ |archive-date=2025-03-28 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> yet Rockstar deliberately chooses not to take these minimal steps to enable support.

==Distributor and consumer responses==
===Valve's response===
In response, [[Valve]] issued refunds for some Steam Deck and Linux users<ref>{{Cite web |last=van der Merwe |first=Julian |date=19 Sep 2024 |title=Steam grants GTA V refunds after anti-cheat strands Steam Deck gamers in compatibility purgatory |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Steam-grants-GTA-V-refunds-after-anti-cheat-strands-Steam-Deck-gamers-in-compatibility-purgatory.891105.0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820215552/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Steam-grants-GTA-V-refunds-after-anti-cheat-strands-Steam-Deck-gamers-in-compatibility-purgatory.891105.0.html |archive-date=2025-08-20 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NotebookCheck}}</ref> based on some criteria, such as hours played on Linux / Steam Deck.

Additionally, anti-cheat systems can be incredibly invasive with the ability to scan users' files and processes, including hardware identifiers, according to the [[privacy policy]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://www.battleye.com/privacy-policy/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=BattlEye |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115152809/https://www.battleye.com/privacy-policy/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><blockquote>
*IP address
*Game identifiers (e.g., in-game name, account ID)
*Hardware device information and identifiers (e.g., serial numbers)
*Information about the running operating system
*Information about files and memory related to the game or operating system
*Information about running processes, drivers, and other executable code
*File names included in other information listed here, which might also contain your operating-system user name
</blockquote>

Because of the inherent privacy and security risks associated with kernel level anti-cheat, players and developers are demanding more transparency in the usage of kernel level software included in games. In response, Valve added a new transparency requirement for developers and publishers to disclose the use of more invasive kernel level anti-cheat solutions:<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks/announcements/detail/4547038620960934857 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251124033403/https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks/announcements/detail/4547038620960934857 Archived])</ref>

<blockquote>We've heard from more and more developers recently that they're looking for the right way to share anti-cheat information about their game with players. At the same time, players have been requesting more transparency around the anti-cheat services used in games, as well as the existence of any additional software that will be installed within the game.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Going forward, when you submit a new game to Steam, '''if your game installs a client side, kernel mode anti-cheat, you will need to fill out this new field'''. We will be going through old games and contacting partners with games that fall into this category. If your game contains a client or server based anti-cheat that is not kernel based, submitting the field is optional but we generally think that any game that makes use of anti-cheat technology would benefit from letting players know.</blockquote><blockquote>'''Specifying Kernel-level Integration''' - Select this to let players know that your anti-cheat integration installs or modifies files at the OS kernel level for any modes of your game. This is automatically selected or disabled for the relevant common anti-cheat services in the drop-down menu.</blockquote>Kernel mode anti-cheat solutions carry inherently more risks to the player, as the anti-cheat installs drivers with elevated permissions and sometimes contains vulnerabilities<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soliven |first=Ryan |last2=Kimura |first2=Hitomi |date=24 Aug 2022 |title=Ransomware Actor Abuses Genshin Impact Anti-Cheat Driver to Kill Antivirus |url=https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/h/ransomware-actor-abuses-genshin-impact-anti-cheat-driver-to-kill-antivirus.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TrendMicro |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102110031/https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/h/ransomware-actor-abuses-genshin-impact-anti-cheat-driver-to-kill-antivirus.html |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref> that can leave the user machine and data at risk, far beyond the risks when the software is isolated to user-mode permissions. Even Rockstar's own instructions suggest adding an exception to anti-virus, only increasing risk to players.<blockquote>While BattlEye is compatible with most antivirus software, you may run into issues if your antivirus does not recognize BattlEye. To avoid any potential problems, make sure to add BattlEye to your antivirus’ exception list.</blockquote>

==See also==
*[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Grand Theft Auto V]]
[[Category:BattlEye]]

Rockstar Games

2026-04-01T10:57:48Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Added a link to SteamOS

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game publisher known for Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption.
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Video Games
|Logo=Rockstar Games Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=Take-Two Interactive
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.rockstargames.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Rockstar_Games|Rockstar Games, Inc]].''' is an American video-game publisher based in New York City. It is known for action-adventure game franchises such as ''Grand Theft Auto'' and ''Red Dead Redemption.'' It is owned by [[Take Two]].

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Rockstar - GTA The Definitive Trilogy===
{{Incomplete section}}

===GTA 4 content removal===
Licensing for some songs in ''GTA 4'' have run out, and updates to the game have been removing content after purchase.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=Music Updates in Grand Theft Auto IV, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony |url=https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/360001005308/Music-Updates-in-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-The-Lost-and-Damned-and-The-Ballad-of-Gay-Tony |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.ph/MHBy0 |archive-date=2025-04-02 |access-date=2025-04-02 |work=Rockstar Games Support}}</ref> A list of removed songs can be found here<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/908139-iv-song-removal-due-to-licenses-expiring/|title=IV Song Removal Due to Licenses expiring.|date=2018-04-18|author=edups|work=GTAForums|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321070236/https://gtaforums.com/topic/908139-iv-song-removal-due-to-licenses-expiring/|archive-date=2025-03-21|url-status=live}}</ref> and here.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/8f4crm/the_update_for_gta_4_removes_songs_from_the/|title=The update for GTA 4 removes songs from the ingame radio stations. Here is the list of songs removed|author=u/TransAmConnor|work=Reddit|date=2018-04-26|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429055804/https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/8f4crm/the_update_for_gta_4_removes_songs_from_the/|archive-date=2018-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref> Players who purchased a physical disk copy can enjoy the full soundtrack but cannot update without losing content.

===GTA 5 move to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase===
{{Main|GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase}}
On September 17, 2024 (11 years after release), Rockstar implemented a controversial update that included a more invasive and dangerous kernel-mode anti-cheat made by BattlEye. This update retroactively restricted GTA Online usage to the Windows operating system, despite previously being fully functional on other operating systems like Linux and [[SteamOS]]. Despite the BattleEye anti-cheat being Linux compatible with minimal effort, Rockstar still chose to not support the operating system, hence leaving buyers without the product they paid for.

Due to the BattleEye anti-cheat being a requirement to run GTA V, if a customer decides not to install it they won't be able to sign in to the Rockstar Launcher even if they wish to play singleplayer. There are workarounds for this, such as using offline mode on Steam, but the game requires you to activate its license by logging in to Rockstar Launcher atleast once when you install it and about every week you will need to reactivate this license to continue playing the singleplayer mode.

===Rockstar prevents borrowing games on Steam===
While many publishers permit Steam Family Sharing, a feature that allows users to share their game libraries with other accounts, Rockstar does not allow it.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=3 January 2026 |title=Family Sharing Not Allowed By Rockstar Games |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1g553ov/is_there_a_way_to_play_gta_5_on_family_sharing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/sDACa |archive-date=3 January 2026 |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>

===Rockstar forces arbitration agreement after the sale (2025)===
As of March 28, 2025, Rockstar Games Launcher is now forcing customers to accept the current terms and conditions which were updated February 28th, 2025. This includes an arbitration agreement that may only be opted out of using a letter delivered via official mail courier services.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=Rockstar Legal |url=https://www.rockstargames.com/legal |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211134609/https://www.rockstargames.com/legal |archive-date=11 Feb 2026|access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref> This affects owners of any games through the Rockstar Games Launcher as well as Steam users who own games that require it's use and completely blocks them from using the products they paid for until they agree.

==Products==

===Grand Theft Auto:===
*Grand Theft Auto London 1969 (1999)
*Grand Theft Auto London 1961 (1999)
*Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
*Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
*Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
*Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
*Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2005)
*Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
*Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
*Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
*Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
*Grand Theft Auto VI (upcoming, planned for 2026)

===L.A. Noire:===
*L.A. Noire (2011)

==See also==

*[[Electronic Arts]]
*[[Ubisoft]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive]]

Electronic Arts

2026-04-01T10:56:37Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: /* Switching to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat after purchase */ Added a link to SteamOS.

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game developer and publisher.
|Founded=1982
|Industry=Video Games
|Logo=Electronic Arts.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://ea.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Electronic_Arts|'''Electronic Arts''']] ('''EA''') is a former video-game developer and now publisher founded in 1982 by Trip Hawkins. It is well known for its simulator titles under the ''Sim'' series (''The Sims,'' ''SimCity,'' ''MySims,'' etc.), titles published under its EA Sports division (''Madden,'' ''FIFA,'' etc.), and its ''Battlefield'' series.

EA has received criticism for its reliance on microtransactions, its focus on [[downloadable content]] (DLC), and other business practices that both consumers and the media perceive as excessively unfavorable predatory and anti-consumer.

==Consumer impact summary==

*User freedom: limited; removed capability to play games on 32-bit systems via Origin, extensive abuse of DRM ([[SecuROM]], [[Denuvo]]), monopolization of game genres, orphaned content/game licenses, and more.
*User privacy: questionable; uses kernel-level anti-cheat in many games,<ref>{{Cite web |last=SEgopher |date=Sep 15, 2022 |title=The insanity of EA's anti-cheat system by a Kernel Dev |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/xf1cwr/the_insanity_of_eas_anticheat_system_by_a_kernel/ |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803140044/https://old.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/xf1cwr/the_insanity_of_eas_anticheat_system_by_a_kernel/ |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref> DRM abuse, considerations for advertisements in games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=May 10, 2024 |title=EA is prototyping in-game ads even as we speak |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/10/24153809/ea-in-game-ads-redux |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124074306/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/10/24153809/ea-in-game-ads-redux |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Business model: Game sales, [[microtransactions]], DLC, [[Non-fungible tokens|NFTs]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=Nov 3, 2021 |title=EA calls NFT and blockchain games 'the future of our industry' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/ea-calls-nft-and-blockchain-games-the-future-of-our-industry/ |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116010512/https://www.pcgamer.com/ea-calls-nft-and-blockchain-games-the-future-of-our-industry/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Market competition: Extensive; [[Nintendo]], [[Microsoft]]/[[Xbox]], [[Ubisoft]], [[Valve]]

EA has [[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles|released the source code of older Command & Conquer games]] in 2025. However, the company continues to have a history of little to no consumer rights.

==Incidents==

===Origin shutdown===
On April 17, 2025, EA shut down the Origin client,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Will |title=EA is ditching Origin, which means you could lose access to your games |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-sims-4/ea-origin-shut-down |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCGamesN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121113702/https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-sims-4/ea-origin-shut-down |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref> which was the last option for 32-bit hardware owners to run EA-published titles. While most consumers have switched to 64-bit hardware, the discontinued support for 32-bit hardware signifies that vintage enthusiasts, tech historians, and others users of 32-bit hardware are unable to either install or play the games they have purchased, unless they upgrade to 64-bit hardware.

===Lootboxes===
{{Hatnote|See also: [[Microtransactions]]}}

Multiple games published by EA in recent years have garnered significant controversy over what is essentially legal gambling. This is most commonly seen in EA sports titles and their "''Ultimate Team''" modes, which has players using in-game currency that can be purchased with real-world money to buy card packs, in order to potentially get high-value player cards. This monetization method, considered by many to be "predatory", most notably introduced controversy within the modern release of ''Star Wars Battlefront 2'', wherein the most powerful character in-game, Darth Vader, could only be obtained through this lootbox system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dingman |first=Hayden |date=10 Oct 2017 |title=How loot boxes are turning full-priced PC games into pay-to-win games of chance |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/407482/loot-boxes-ruining-gaming.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCWorld |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122024918/https://www.pcworld.com/article/407482/loot-boxes-ruining-gaming.html |archive-date=22 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=10 Oct 2017 |title=Star Wars Battlefront 2 has a loot crate problem |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/star-wars-battlefront-2-has-a-loot-crate-problem |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Robert Purchese |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113073209/https://www.eurogamer.net/star-wars-battlefront-2-has-a-loot-crate-problem |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=13 Oct 2017 |title=Thinking outside the loot box |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/thinking-outside-the-loot-box |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Games Industry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206121255/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/thinking-outside-the-loot-box |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> It was not until several weeks after the backlash that EA would tone down these lootboxes by changing loot pools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=1 Nov 2017 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II changes its loot box plans… but is it enough? |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/star-wars-battlefront-ii-changes-its-loot-box-plans-but-is-it-enough/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113052311/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/star-wars-battlefront-ii-changes-its-loot-box-plans-but-is-it-enough/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=13 Oct 2017 |title=After beta controversy, DICE has better clarified the 'loot crate' and progression systems in Star Wars Battlefront 2 |url=https://www.vg247.com/after-beta-controversy-dice-has-better-clarified-the-loot-crate-system-in-the-final-version-of-star-wars-battlefront-2 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=VG247 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250905064209/https://www.vg247.com/after-beta-controversy-dice-has-better-clarified-the-loot-crate-system-in-the-final-version-of-star-wars-battlefront-2 |archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref> Lootboxes remained within the title until ''[[Disney]]'' directly instructed EA to stop because of gambling concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Needleman |first=Sarah E. |last2=Fritz |first2=Ben |date=17 Nov 2017 |title=Electronic Arts Pulls Microtransactions From ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ After Fan Backlash |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/electronic-arts-pulls-microtransactions-from-star-wars-battlefront-ii-after-fan-backlash-1510936871 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228182703/https://www.wsj.com/articles/electronic-arts-pulls-microtransactions-from-star-wars-battlefront-ii-after-fan-backlash-1510936871 |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> 

===DRM===
EA holds the record for most pirated game with the title ''[[Spore (game)|Spore]],'' which was directly because of EA's use of ''[[SecuROM]]'', and was one of the earlier known titles to introduce always-online [[digital rights management]] (DRM).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Modern Vintage Gamer |date=25 Nov 2019 |title=SecuROM - The PC CD-ROM DRM that broke games {{!}} MVG |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8ltfyqD3lM |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=u8ltfyqD3lM |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> Some releases of ''Mass Effect'' also used ''[[SecuROM]]'', and would instill excessive limits, such as a three-install limit that both could not be refunded by uninstalling and could only be increased through customer-service calls, and a recurring-validation system that required that the game have its activation code run every 10 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=8 May 2008 |title=Mass Effect, Spore To Use Recurring Validation |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/Mass-Effect-Spore-To-Use-Recurring-Validation/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The Escapist |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251202160156/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/mass-effect-spore-to-use-recurring-validation/ |archive-date=2 Dec 2025}}</ref> While its use of SecuROM died off in the mid-2010s, the company merely switched to DRM that has been far worse for consumers, [[Denuvo]]. One significant EA title that has used this DRM is ''Star Wars: Jedi Survivor.x'' 

===''Spore''===
{{Hatnote|Further reading: ''[[Spore (game)]]''}}

''Spore'' retains a historical 1.7+ million pirated copies,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molina |first=Andres |date=21 Jun 2024 |title=How many times was Spore pirated? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/gaming-pedia/how-many-times-was-spore-pirated/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ncesc.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250414054642/https://www.ncesc.com/gaming-pedia/how-many-times-was-spore-pirated/ |archive-date=14 Apr 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van der Sar |first=Ernesto |date=13 Sep 2008 |title=Spore: Most Pirated Game Ever Thanks to DRM |url=https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=TorrentFreak |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130152354/https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref> directly related to EA's use of [[SecuROM]].<ref name=":0" /> In more recent years, ''Spore'''s server access was locked down to EA accounts,<ref name=":1">[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=582350678 How to Connect to Spore Servers (Steam/GOG/EA App)] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260109104720/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=582350678 Archived])</ref> mostly because of free [[Steam]] key exploit. This has led to various problems for legitimate consumers who wanted to play the iconic game and its sibling ''Darkspore,'' since according to guides,<ref name=":1" /> users could only have a singular install of the game on any device, were required to have an EA account (see also [[Forced account]]) using an alphanumeric password, and needed a CD key to redeem on the user's EA account. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260109104720/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=582350678 Archived])<ref>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002333209-Spore-How-to-get-access-to-online-features?product=gog Spore - How to get access to online features] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250802014736/https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002333209-Spore-How-to-get-access-to-online-features?product=gog Archived])</ref> This has brought concern among the community, leading to community-developed tools to circumvent these server problems.<ref>[https://sporecommunity.com/ Spore Community Hub] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260105100840/https://sporecommunity.com/ Archived])</ref>

===License exclusivity===
With various [[Intellectual property|intellectual properties]], from ''Star Wars''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dolen |first=Rob |date=15 Jan 2021 |title=EA No Longer Has Exclusive Rights to Star Wars, But Is It Too Late? |url=https://gamerant.com/ea-no-longer-star-wars-exclusive-publisher-lucasfilm-games-ubisoft-bethesda/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Game Rant |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251024210316/https://gamerant.com/ea-no-longer-star-wars-exclusive-publisher-lucasfilm-games-ubisoft-bethesda/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> to the NFL, EA has created an artificial monopoly over large genres and major IP of the industry. Its exclusive licenses with various football organizations, such as the AFL and NFL, has resulted in an antitrust lawsuit against it.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20110510050257/http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0611_nfl_ea_wm.pdf</ref> This lawsuit ended in a $600K settlement, but did not resolve the primary problems caused by EA's exclusive deals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=13 Jun 2008 |title=Lawsuit flags EA for illegal procedure on football monopoly |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/06/lawsuit-flags-ea-for-illegal-procedure-on-football-monopoly/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251227210233/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/06/lawsuit-flags-ea-for-illegal-procedure-on-football-monopoly/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kravets |first=David |date=28 Jun 2016 |title=EA punts, gives $600k to former football star in Madden NFL rights flap |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/ea-punts-gives-600k-to-former-football-star-in-madden-nfl-rights-flap/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208100019/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/ea-punts-gives-600k-to-former-football-star-in-madden-nfl-rights-flap/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> NCAA players brought additional lawsuits against EA, alleging that it was not authorized to use their likeness in its games. These suits were also settled out of court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eder |first=Steve |date=26 Sep 2016 |title=E.A. Sports Settles Lawsuit With College Athletes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/sports/ncaafootball/ea-sports-wont-make-college-video-game-in-2014.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The New York Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221151143/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/sports/ncaafootball/ea-sports-wont-make-college-video-game-in-2014.html?_r=0 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/23859858/ea-sports-settles-likeness-suits-thousands-of-current-former-players-eligible-for-money ([http://web.archive.org/web/20160507131507/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/23859858/ea-sports-settles-likeness-suits-thousands-of-current-former-players-eligible-for-money Archived])</ref>

===Buyouts and closures===
In order for EA to hold its high position, it has been known to buy out its competition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stebbins |first=Samuel |last2=Comen |first2=Evan |last3=Sauter |first3=Michael B. |last4=Stockdale |first4=Charles |date=1 Feb 2018 |title=Bad reputation: America’s Top 20 most-hated companies |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/02/01/bad-reputation-americas-top-20-most-hated-companies/1058718001/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230013406/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/02/01/bad-reputation-americas-top-20-most-hated-companies/1058718001/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2019 |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Usa Today}}</ref> Often, this has led to the detriment of the companies they buy out,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=4 Apr 2012 |title=Electronic Arts: ‘Worst company in America’? Consumerist says yes |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-04-la-fi-mo-electronic-arts-worst-company-consumerist-20120404-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251227051302/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-04-la-fi-mo-electronic-arts-worst-company-consumerist-20120404-story.html |archive-date=27 Dec 2025}}</ref> and by extension, the media which they release. A historical example, Westwood Studios, which pioneered the RTS genre with the ''Command & Conquer'' series, was shut down about five years after its purchase by EA, and its notable franchise was left abandoned years later, with entries either delisted or broken after GameSpy-based DRM were broken circa 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maiberg |first=Emanuel |date=8 Apr 2014 |title=Reddit compiles terrifying list of games affected by GameSpy shutdown |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/reddit-compiles-terrifying-list-of-games-affected-by-gamespy-shutdown/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCGamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213064431/https://www.pcgamer.com/reddit-compiles-terrifying-list-of-games-affected-by-gamespy-shutdown/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> While its habit of buying and closing studios has thinned since 2008, it similarly closed Visceral Games, the developer of ''Dead Space,'' in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=EA shuts down the studio behind 'Dead Space' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017-10-17-ea-shuts-down-visceral-games.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=endgadget |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003042709/https://www.engadget.com/2017-10-17-ea-shuts-down-visceral-games.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Switching to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat after purchase===
{{Main|EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase}}

EA has implemented a change to the anti-cheat of several games after release including: EA SPORTS WRC, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2, Battlefield 2042, Battlefield V, and Battlefield 1. This change breaks the ability to play the game, even after purchase, on older [[Windows]] versions and alternative operating systems to Windows including Linux and [[SteamOS]]. EA refuses to give you a refund for these games.

===Shutting down Anthem===
{{Main|Anthem server shutdown}}
On 3 July, 2025, EA announced that the Anthem servers would be sunset on 12 January, 2026. Since the game was designed to require connection to the Anthem servers, the game would become unplayable following the shutdown of the servers. According to the terms of service that all consumers must agree to in order to play the game, this action by EA to revoke the purchase from the consumer is legal and permissible so long as 30 days notice was provided.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELECTRONIC ARTS USER AGREEMENT |url=https://tos.ea.com/legalapp/WEBTERMS/US/en/PC/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118092421/http://tos.ea.com/legalapp/WEBTERMS/US/en/PC/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026|access-date=2025-08-16 |website=tos.ea.com}}</ref>

On 12 January, 2026, the servers were shut down to the dismay of many.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=2026-01-13 |title=7 Years Later, BioWare's Anthem Is Dead But It'll Never Be Forgotten |url=https://kotaku.com/anthem-server-shutdown-final-hours-videos-clips-stream-2000659367 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Kotaku |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114200220/https://kotaku.com/anthem-server-shutdown-final-hours-videos-clips-stream-2000659367 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Battlefield 6===
{{Main|EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings}}
The open beta of Battlefield 6 imposes strict requirements on the computer hardware people use to play the game, which caused discontent among the player base.

===The Sims 4 Maker Program===
On March 3rd 2026, EA announced The Sims Maker Program<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-03 |title=The Sims Maker Program |url=https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/maker-program |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260310180351/https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/news/the-sims-maker-program-and-marketplace |archive-date=2026-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-14 |website=EA.com}}</ref>, allowing independent custom content creators to publish and sell their works through The Sims 4 Marketplace. With this change, the company introduced [[microtransactions]] into the game, and the actual creators make only 30% of revenue, remaining 70% going into EA. At the same time, their official mod policy<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=The Sims 4 Policy on Mods |url=https://help.ea.com/en/articles/the-sims/the-sims-4/mods-policy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260310135202/https://help.ea.com/en/articles/the-sims/the-sims-4/mods-policy/ |archive-date=2026-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-14 |website=EA.com}}</ref> (presumably for unaffiliated creators) mandates that "Mods must be non-commercial and distributed free of charge".

==Positive incidents==

===Release of Command & Conquer source code (2025)===
{{Main|EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles}}
In February 2025, EA worked with C&C community members to open source four Command & Conquer games under the GPLv3 license, in a move widely celebrated by the gaming community.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Feb 2025 |title=EA Open Sources Command and Conquer: Red Alert, along with other games |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=HackerNews |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708165349/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudra |first=Sourav |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=Unbelievable! EA Open Sources 4 Command & Conquer Games |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/ea-open-source-cc-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=It's FOSS News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250811112138/https://news.itsfoss.com/ea-open-source-cc-games/ |archive-date=11 Aug 2025}}</ref> Despite this good measure, the only content available to consumers via these repositories is exclusively the code, and the only way to compile the source code continues to require ownership of a copy of the respective Command & Conquer in order to supply any assets. If any entry in the series were to be delisted again, their respective source code repository is rendered moot for anyone who did not already hold a license.

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

SteamOS

2026-04-01T10:54:32Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: fixed typo

SteamOS is a [[Valve]] developed operating system with great emphasis on it being meant for gaming as it comes with [[Steam]] preinstalled which is the company's video game storefront. SteamOS is a Linux distribution, based on Arch Linux, and is used primarily for Valve's first-party gaming hardware, including the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame but also runs on third-party hardware. Starting in 2025, Valve added support to include third-party devices. This includes handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. It can alternatively be installed on personal computers but comes without official support from Valve at this moment in time although this could change in the future.<ref>"We are working on broadening support, and with the recent updates to Steam and SteamOS, compatibility with other AMD powered PC handhelds has been improved."[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]</ref> The core of the operating system is free and open-source software, while the Steam client remains proprietary.[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]
<references />

EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase

2026-04-01T10:53:59Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Added a link to the SteamOS consumer rights wiki article

{{StubNotice}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Electronic Arts
|StartDate=2023
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=Battlefield
|Product=EA SPORTS WRC, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2
|ArticleType=
|Type=Anti-cheat, Forced Migration, Privacy
|Description=
}}
[[EA]] has implemented a change to the anti-cheat of several games after release including: EA SPORTS WRC, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2, Battlefield 2042, Battlefield V, and Battlefield 1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=23 Oct 2024 |title=EA Anti-Cheat arrives for Battlefield 1 breaking it on Steam Deck / Linux |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/10/ea-anti-cheat-arrives-for-battlefield-1-breaking-it-on-steam-deck-linux/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220061934/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/10/ea-anti-cheat-arrives-for-battlefield-1-breaking-it-on-steam-deck-linux/ |archive-date=20 Dec 2024 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=17 May 2024 |title=EA SPORTS WRC is adding EA anticheat, breaking another game on Steam Deck / Linux |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/05/ea-sports-wrc-is-adding-ea-anticheat-breaking-another-game-on-steam-deck-linux/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216223730/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/05/ea-sports-wrc-is-adding-ea-anticheat-breaking-another-game-on-steam-deck-linux/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2025 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=4 Apr 2024 |title=Battlefield V now broken on Steam Deck / Linux with EA anticheat live |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/04/battlefield-v-now-broken-on-steam-deck-linux-with-ea-anticheat-live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313003005/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/04/battlefield-v-now-broken-on-steam-deck-linux-with-ea-anticheat-live/ |archive-date=13 Mar 2025 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=15 Feb 2024 |title=Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 adding EA AntiCheat, breaking it on Steam Deck / Linux |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/02/plants-vs-zombies-garden-warfare-2-adding-ea-anticheat-breaking-it-on-steam-deck-linux/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419031809/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/02/plants-vs-zombies-garden-warfare-2-adding-ea-anticheat-breaking-it-on-steam-deck-linux/ |archive-date=19 Apr 2024 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> This change breaks the ability to play the game, even after purchase, on older [[Windows]] versions and alternative operating systems to Windows including Linux and [[SteamOS]]. EA has refused to give refunds for those games.

==Background==
EA announced Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 was going to be implementing EA AntiCheat and no longer supporting Windows versions 7, 8, and 8.1 after an update in March 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EA Anticheat and Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 |url=https://www.ea.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/plants-vs-zombies-garden-warfare-2/news/pvzgw2-anticheat-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125033327/https://www.ea.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/plants-vs-zombies-garden-warfare-2/news/pvzgw2-anticheat-update |archive-date=25 Jan 2025}}</ref>

EA announced EA SPORTS WRC was going to be implementing EA AntiCheat on June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EA SPORTS™ WRC - EA anticheat |url=https://www.ea.com/technology/news/ea-anticheat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405002320/https://www.ea.com/technology/news/ea-anticheat |archive-date=5 April 2025}}</ref>

EA announced these games in the Battlefield Franchise were going to be implementing EA AntiCheat:<ref>{{Cite web |title=EA anticheat and Battlefield |url=https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/battlefield-2042/news/eaac-and-battlefield |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129200103/https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/battlefield-2042/news/eaac-and-battlefield |archive-date=29 Nov 2024}}</ref>

*Battlefield 2042 in October 2023
*Battlefield V in April 2024
*Battlefield 1 in October 2024

==Consumer response==
{{Placeholder box|Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.}}

==Further reading==
*[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:EA Anti-cheat]]

Epic Games

2026-04-01T10:52:31Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: /* Incidents */ Added a link for SteamOS

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game developer and publisher known for the Unreal Engine and the Epic Games Store.
|Founded=1991
|Industry=Video Games
|Logo=Epic Games logo.svg
|Type=Private
|Website=https://epicgames.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Epic Games}}''' is a software development and media-publishing company founded in 1991 by {{Wplink|Tim Sweeney}}. They are best known for the development of the {{Wplink|Unreal Engine}} and the popular video game ''[[Fortnite]]''. Epic maintains their own digital software distribution platform, the {{Wplink|Epic Games Store}}.

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

[[File:Epic Games EULA snippet.png|thumb|Snippet of Epic Games updated EULA, 18 Mar 2022.]]
*'''Forced arbitration:''' Epic Games updated their Epic Games Store policy on 18 March 2022 to include [[forced arbitration]] in their [[Terms of Service]]. The users were required to agree to the new terms in order to continue using the platform. If a user did not agree to the new terms, they were effectively locked out of their library of previously purchased games and software.

==Incidents==
===Removal of Linux and MacOS versions of Rocket League (''2020'')===
On 23 January 2020, Epic and its subsidiary {{Wplink|Psyonix}} announced that while ''[[Rocket League]]'' players had purchased the game with full support for Linux and MacOS, this support was being withdrawn and the game would be offline only for these operating systems, and players were directed to play the game on Windows instead.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Ending Support for MacOS and Linux |url=https://www.rocketleague.com/en/news/ending-support-for-mac-and-linux |website=Epic Games |date=23 Jan 2020 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104111/https://www.rocketleague.com/en/news/ending-support-for-mac-and-linux |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Rocket League Support for macOS and Linux (SteamOS) |url=https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/c-Category_RocketLeague/c-RocketLeague_TechnicalSupport/rocket-league-support-for-macos-and-linux-steamos-a000084314 |website=Epic Games |date= |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250819213407/https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/c-Category_RocketLeague/c-RocketLeague_TechnicalSupport/rocket-league-support-for-macos-and-linux-steamos-a000084314 |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref> Many speculated that the change was in relation to Psyonix's acquisition by Epic Games several months earlier. At the time of acquisition Epic stated that players "''will still be able to play Rocket League on Steam with all of the content they've previously purchased.''"{{CitationNeeded}}

===Fortnite excluded from Steam Deck (''2022'')===
In February 2022, [[Valve]] launched its Steam Deck handheld console, which runs on a Linux-based [[SteamOS]]. This is problematic for video games that are not compatible with Linux, but Valve used a work-around involving a {{Wplink|compatibility layer}} called {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} to allow the Steam Deck to run [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] games. Users hoped this meant being able to play ''Fortnite'' on Steam (which is a competing platform to Epic Games Store), however CEO Tim Sweeney stated in response to a tweet that the game would not be made compatible with Linux nor Proton, citing a lack of confidence at being able to reliably enforce its [[Easy Anti-Cheat]] software:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ryan |title=Epic confirms Fortnite won’t be playable on Steam Deck without Windows |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/epic-confirms-fortnite-wont-be-playable-on-steam-deck-without-windows-4207850 |website=Trusted Reviews |date=8 Feb 2022 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202074431/https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/epic-confirms-fortnite-wont-be-playable-on-steam-deck-without-windows-4207850 |archive-date=2 Feb 2023}}</ref>
<blockquote>Fortnite no, but there's a big effort underway to maximize Easy Anti Cheat compatibility with Steam Deck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=Tim |date=6 Feb 2022 |title=Tim Sweeney on X |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1490519194915459072 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324201027/https://nitter.catsarch.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1490519194915459072 |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |website=[[X]]}}</ref><br />
[...] We don't have confidence that we'd be able to combat cheating at scale under a wide array of kernel configurations including custom ones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=Tim |date=6 Feb 2022 |title=Tim Sweeney on X |url=https://nitter.catsarch.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1490565925648715781 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324201046/https://nitter.catsarch.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1490565925648715781 |archive-date=24 Mar 2026 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |website=[[X]]}}</ref></blockquote>

===Removal of titles from storefront (''2022'')===
On 14 December 2022, Epic Games began de-listing "older" titles from the Epic Games storefront. Among the first to be affected by these removals were owners of various titles within the ''Unreal'' and ''Unreal Tournament'' series, who had their licenses to these games effectively revoked from their accounts, and were thus unable to launch or install them. A statement released by Epic Games on 14 December 2022 regarding the removal stated that this was done in order to "...move to solely support Epic Online Services with its unified friends system, voice chat features, parental controls, and parental verification features."<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Epic is turning off online services and servers for some older games |url=https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/news/epic-is-turning-off-online-services-and-servers-for-some-older-games |website=Epic Games |date=14 Dec 2022 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215234732/https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/news/epic-is-turning-off-online-services-and-servers-for-some-older-games |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}(Editor's note: add a screenshot of UT being grayed out in the launcher!)</ref>

A few years later, some titles would make their way to the [[Internet Archive]] for users to freely install, but not all de-listed games have been republished onto the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Unreal Tournament UT99 v469e GOTY Complete RePlay Retail: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming |url=https://archive.org/details/UT99-Complete-Retail |website=[[Internet Archive]] |date=15 Mar 2024 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Unreal Tournament (1999): Epic MegaGames: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming |url=https://archive.org/details/ut-99 |website=[[Internet Archive]] |date=10 Aug 2021 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Unreal Tournament: Epic Games: Free Download, Borrowing, and Streaming |url=https://archive.org/details/unreal-tournament-complete |website=[[Internet Archive]] |date=29 Mar 2021 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition: Epic Games: Free Download, Borrowing, and Streaming |url=https://archive.org/details/ut-goty |website=[[Internet Archive]] |date=4 Jun 2021 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

===Violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and usage of dark patterns (''2022'')===
On 19 December 2022, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) announced that it secured agreements that require Epic Games, Inc. to pay a total of $520 million for violating the {{Wplink|Children's Online Privacy Protection Act}} (COPPA) and using [[dark pattern]]s to trick players into making purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Fortnite Video Game Maker Epic Games to Pay More Than Half a Billion Dollars over FTC Allegations of Privacy Violations and Unwanted Charges |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations |website=[[FTC]] |date=19 Dec 2022 |access-date=25 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218112319/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Account requirement for Rocket League (''2025'')===
{{Main|Epic Games forced third party account creation in Rocket League}}

Following the v2.48 patch on 29 January 2025, Rocket League players on [[Steam]] were met with an error upon startup of the game, with the user being required to create an Epic Games account (see [[Forced account]]) before being able to access the game. This change was not mentioned in the patch notes, and was done after the game was moved from Steam to Epic Games Store in 2020.{{CitationNeeded}}

==See also==
*[[GOG.com]]
*[[Steam]]
*[[DRM]]
*[[Games as a service]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

SteamOS

2026-04-01T10:50:45Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Added an additional citation and link to the SteamOS website for more details.

SteamOS is a [[Valve]] developed operating system with great emphasis on it being meant for gaming as it comes with [[Steam]] preinstalled which is the company's video game storefront. SteamOS is a Linux distribution, based on Arch Linux, and is used primarily for Valve's first-party gaming hardware, including the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame but also runs on third-party hardware. Starting in 2025, Valve added support to include third-party devices. This included handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. It can alternatively be installed on personal computers but comes without official support from Valve at this moment in time although this could change in the future.<ref>"We are working on broadening support, and with the recent updates to Steam and SteamOS, compatibility with other AMD powered PC handhelds has been improved."[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]</ref> The core of the operating system is free and open-source software, while the Steam client remains proprietary.[https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/]

SteamOS

2026-04-01T10:45:27Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: Added a SteamOS page.

Valve

2026-04-01T10:28:34Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: /* Business model */ Slight adjustments to Valve's business model section.

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game company known for distribution platform Steam and game series like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter Strike.
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Video game retail, Video game development, Video game hardware
|Logo=Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://valvesoftware.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Valve_Corporation|'''Valve Corporation''']] (also known as Valve Software) is a software distribution company, most known for being the owner of the distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines, as well as manufacturing hardware items such as the [[wikipedia:Steam_Deck|Steam Deck]]. It was founded in 1996 by [[wikipedia:Gabe_Newell|Gabe Newell]] and Mike Harrington.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

====Business model====
Valve manufactures and sells first-party hardware, with [[Steam]] preinstalled, with emphasis on the hardware being made for gaming. These products include, but are not limited to, the Steam Deck, Steam Machine and Steam Frame which all run [[SteamOS]] out of the box which is an operating system meant to act as an alternative to Windows for gaming whilst providing a console like experience.[https://store.steampowered.com/sale/hardware]

==Positives==

==='''Contributing to the Wine compatibility layer (''2018.08.21 - Present'')'''===
On 21 August 2018, '''Valve''' released the first version of the {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} compatibility layer,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2018-08-21 |title=Valve officially confirm a new version of 'Steam Play' which includes a modified version of Wine |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/08/valve-officially-confirm-a-new-version-of-steam-play-which-includes-a-modified-version-of-wine/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> which was developed in partnership with {{Wplink|CodeWeavers}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Jana |date=2022-02-25 |title=CODEWEAVERS’ PROTON SOFTWARE SAUCE POWERS STEAM DECK |url=https://www.codeweavers.com/about/news/press/20220225 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CodeWeavers}}</ref> Proton is the fork of the {{Wplink|Wine (software)|Wine}}<ref name=":4" /> compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to run on {{Wplink|POSIX}}-compliant {{Wplink|operating systems}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS |url=https://www.winehq.org/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=WineHQ}}</ref> Proton's primary focus is to improve performance and compatibility of Windows games running on {{Wplink|Linux}} operating systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GitHub - ValveSoftware/Proton: Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Github}}</ref> It works by translating Windows specific {{Wplink|DirectX}} API calls to {{Wplink|Vulkan}}.{{Citation needed}}

As an effect of developing Proton, '''Valve''' and CodeWeavers have upstreamed a lot of upgrades and fixes to Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2019-03-27 |title=A Lot Of Valve's Proton Work Is Landing Back In Upstream Wine |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/Proton-Work-Back-In-Wine-4.2 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Phoronix}}</ref>

===Contributing to the FEX emulation layer (''2018 - Present'')===
On 12 November 2025, '''Valve''' announced the Steam Frame, an ARM based VR headset which will be running {{Wplink|SteamOS}}.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-11-14 |title=Valve Steam Machine, Desktop SteamOS, Steam Frame VR, & Controller {{!}} ft. Engineering Discussion |url=https://gamersnexus.net/news-pre-built-pc/valve-steam-machine-desktop-steamos-steam-frame-vr-controller-ft-engineering |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gamers Nexus}}</ref> In order to to be compatible with most Windows {{Wplink|x86}} games, '''Valve''' will be using the FEX-Emu emulation layer alongside Proton.<ref name=":5" /> In an anniversary blog post, the FEX lead dev stated: <blockquote>I want to thank the people from Valve for being here from the start and allowing me to kickstart this project. They trusted me with the responsibility of designing and frameworking the project in a way that it can work long-term; not only for their use cases but also keeping it an open project that anyone can adapt for their own use cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Houdek |first=Ryan |date=2025-11-28 |title=FEX seven year anniversary! |url=https://fex-emu.com/FEXiversary/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref></blockquote>FEX works by emulating x86 specific instructions to ARM64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEX-Emu – A fast linux usermode x86 and x86-64 emulator |url=https://fex-emu.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement.</blockquote> This is attributed to a law passed in California which requires storefronts to clearly state whether a consumer is purchasing a license for digital media.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam now says the ‘game’ you’re buying is really just a license |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214142023/https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The licenses are tied to the Steam account, so if the consumer loses access to the account they will lose all the licenses with it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam's new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don't actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers 'cannot be taken away from you' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117104943/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> Steam forbids consumers from transferring their licenses to other accounts, even if the accounts are owned by the same person that purchased the license. Steam forbids consumers from allowing other people to use their Steam account, even if passed down via a will.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2024-05-26 |title=You can't take it with you, but you can't leave it for someone else either: Valve says you aren't allowed to bequeath a Steam account in a will |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114134401/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

This is in contrast to Steam's main competitor [https://www.gog.com/en/ GOG], which states on its payment checkout screen: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of DRM-free games |url=https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121055931/https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Fandom}}</ref>

===PC version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (2023)===
Counter-Strike 2, previously available as a 'Limited Test' since March 22nd 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=2023-03-22 |title=Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214114651/https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>, released on September 27th 2023, replacing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on [[Steam]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-09-27 |title=After 11 years of CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced the biggest game on Steam {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223173642/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>. This removed access to Global Offensive for those who had purchased it, every mainline PC Counter-Strike game before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230014611/https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Condition Zero on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228102653/https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> and Counter-Strike: Source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Source on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217184118/https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>) can still be purchased and played on [[Steam]] through a separate library entry so this was an unprecedented move from Valve.

A legacy version of Global Offensive called 'CS:GO Legacy' was released on October 10th 2023<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Legacy CS:GO Version |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010111016/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |archive-date=2023-10-10}}</ref> after backlash from the Counter-Strike community towards the Counter-Strike 2 launch and Global Offensive replacement. This version can only be accessed while Counter-Strike 2 is installed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2023-10-13 |title=How to play CS:GO now that Counter-Strike 2 is out {{!}} PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live |website=PCGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211035203/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Valve committed to supporting this version of the game until January 1st 2024<ref name=":0" /> but in that support window ignored bug reports from the community such as Counter-Strike 2 servers appearing in the community server browser with no way to distinguish these servers from Global Offensive servers unless the server specified what game it was targeting in it's name. CS:GO Legacy received only one update<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Counter-Strike 2 History · Change #20663547 · SteamDB |url=https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |url-status=live |website=SteamDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020235311/https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref> during its support window and this update didn't contain any public update notes so it is unclear what this may have fixed.

After the support window for CS:GO Legacy ended, numerous problems started occurring with the game. Global Offensive servers stopped appearing in the CS:GO Legacy community server browser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=CS:GO Legacy servers being rejected from Steam / CS:GO Legacy server browser listings · Issue #4047 · ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514162130/https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> which meant that only external third party server browsers could be used to find Global Offensive servers and these servers have to be added manually unlike [[Steam]]'s server browser which finds and queries new servers automatically. As a point of comparison, the mainline PC Counter-Strike games released before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike, Condition Zero and Source) still have a functional server browser without needing third party intervention.

It also became impossible to use multiple weapons (M4A1-S, USP-S, CZ75-Auto, MP5-SD, R8 Revolver) in regular gameplay on vanilla servers without plugins as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued on CS:GO Legacy.<ref>[[File:CS-GO Legacy Inventory Message.jpg|thumb|Pop-up message after attempting to open the Inventory on the main menu of CS:GO Legacy, screenshot taken 23rd October 2025.]]
</ref> There was an unofficial method of re-enabling the loadout system so these weapons could be equipped and used in game but this method was patched in the May 8th 2025 Counter-Strike 2 update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Csgo_Legacy_2023 – BaseQ WiQi |url=https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=BaseQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105023533/https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref> Although patched for its intended purpose, some CS:GO Legacy community servers still require this method for players to join their servers.<ref name=":3" />
==Legal disputes==
Steam's predominance has led to Valve becoming involved in various legal cases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam (service) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228142840/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |archive-date=28 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Dispute Title
!Year started and ended
(if concluded)
!Background Information
!Aftermath
!Related Articles
|-
|''ACCC v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Mar 2016 |title=Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=ACCC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013070949/https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|2014–2016
|During this lawsuit, Valve was found by the Australian Federal Court to have refused to offer refunds for faulty or broken products.
|Users now have the ability to easily refund games they purchased, so long as they follow the refund policy.
|
|-
|''UFC Que Choisir v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Tough Times Ahead for Digital Video Game Resellers: French Supreme Court Ruling in UFC Que Choisir v. Valve |url=https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=Fox Mandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122942/https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |archive-date=4 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|2015–2019
(still disputed)
|UFC Que Choisir sued Valve on the grounds that users deserved to resell their digital licenses.
|Users in France had the right to resell their digital Steam library, overturned in October 2024.
|
|-
|''McLeod v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=McLeod v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126102613/https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2016
|MacLeod started the first antitrust case against Valve Corp. over the sale of their games.
|Absorbed into another legal dispute; continues to be dismissed within Seattle courts.
|
|-
|''Wolfire Games v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-06 |title=Wolfire Games LLC v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202174447/https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2021–2022
|The first notable antitrust case against Valve's unfair market manipulation of their games.
|Absorbed into another dispute/now a [[class action lawsuit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=28 Nov 2024 |title=The antitrust lawsuit against Steam is now a class action, and that could have big repercussions for Valve |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118020850/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
|''Sean Colvin'' (and various others) ''v. Valve Corporation, CD Projekt S.A., CD Projekt, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Ubisoft, Inc., Ubisoft L.A., Inc., kChamp Games, Inc., Rust, LLC, and Devolver Digital, Inc.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=28 Jan 2021 |title=Popular Gaming Platform Accused of Abusing Market Power Through Contracts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114174554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|2021 - Unfinised
|Five individuals in California sued Valve (among various other publishers) over participating in anti-competitive behavior with the Steam platform, most notably over the sale of games for lesser prices on other platforms.
|Not concluded because of indefinite postponement by Valve.
|
|-
|''Bucher Law PLCC v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174529/https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Valve antitrust litigation |url=https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174522/https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Bucher Law Firm}}</ref>
|C.A. 2021 - Unfinished
|A companion to previous lawsuits against Valve over their anti-competitive monopoly, this time covering consumers over their purchase of games on Steam.
|Not concluded, slowly being arbitrated.
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]

Valve

2026-04-01T10:14:36Z

2A00:23C7:BA83:A401:899:F377:A723:C0D5: /* Consumer-impact summary */ Added Valve's business model.

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game company known for distribution platform Steam and game series like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter Strike.
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Video game retail, Video game development, Video game hardware
|Logo=Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://valvesoftware.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Valve_Corporation|'''Valve Corporation''']] (also known as Valve Software) is a software distribution company, most known for being the owner of the distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines, as well as manufacturing hardware items such as the [[wikipedia:Steam_Deck|Steam Deck]]. It was founded in 1996 by [[wikipedia:Gabe_Newell|Gabe Newell]] and Mike Harrington.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==== Business model ====
Valve sells gaming devices including products like, but not limited to, the Steam Deck, Steam Machine and Steam Frame which all run SteamOS out of the box which is meant to act as an alternative to Windows for gaming whilst providing a console like experience.[https://store.steampowered.com/sale/hardware]

==Positives==

==='''Contributing to the Wine compatibility layer (''2018.08.21 - Present'')'''===
On 21 August 2018, '''Valve''' released the first version of the {{Wplink|Proton (software)|Proton}} compatibility layer,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2018-08-21 |title=Valve officially confirm a new version of 'Steam Play' which includes a modified version of Wine |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2018/08/valve-officially-confirm-a-new-version-of-steam-play-which-includes-a-modified-version-of-wine/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=GamingOnLinux}}</ref> which was developed in partnership with {{Wplink|CodeWeavers}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Jana |date=2022-02-25 |title=CODEWEAVERS’ PROTON SOFTWARE SAUCE POWERS STEAM DECK |url=https://www.codeweavers.com/about/news/press/20220225 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CodeWeavers}}</ref> Proton is the fork of the {{Wplink|Wine (software)|Wine}}<ref name=":4" /> compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to run on {{Wplink|POSIX}}-compliant {{Wplink|operating systems}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS |url=https://www.winehq.org/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=WineHQ}}</ref> Proton's primary focus is to improve performance and compatibility of Windows games running on {{Wplink|Linux}} operating systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GitHub - ValveSoftware/Proton: Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Proton |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Github}}</ref> It works by translating Windows specific {{Wplink|DirectX}} API calls to {{Wplink|Vulkan}}.{{Citation needed}}

As an effect of developing Proton, '''Valve''' and CodeWeavers have upstreamed a lot of upgrades and fixes to Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2019-03-27 |title=A Lot Of Valve's Proton Work Is Landing Back In Upstream Wine |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/Proton-Work-Back-In-Wine-4.2 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Phoronix}}</ref>

===Contributing to the FEX emulation layer (''2018 - Present'')===
On 12 November 2025, '''Valve''' announced the Steam Frame, an ARM based VR headset which will be running {{Wplink|SteamOS}}.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-11-14 |title=Valve Steam Machine, Desktop SteamOS, Steam Frame VR, & Controller {{!}} ft. Engineering Discussion |url=https://gamersnexus.net/news-pre-built-pc/valve-steam-machine-desktop-steamos-steam-frame-vr-controller-ft-engineering |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gamers Nexus}}</ref> In order to to be compatible with most Windows {{Wplink|x86}} games, '''Valve''' will be using the FEX-Emu emulation layer alongside Proton.<ref name=":5" /> In an anniversary blog post, the FEX lead dev stated: <blockquote>I want to thank the people from Valve for being here from the start and allowing me to kickstart this project. They trusted me with the responsibility of designing and frameworking the project in a way that it can work long-term; not only for their use cases but also keeping it an open project that anyone can adapt for their own use cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Houdek |first=Ryan |date=2025-11-28 |title=FEX seven year anniversary! |url=https://fex-emu.com/FEXiversary/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref></blockquote>FEX works by emulating x86 specific instructions to ARM64.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEX-Emu – A fast linux usermode x86 and x86-64 emulator |url=https://fex-emu.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=FEX-Emu}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement.</blockquote> This is attributed to a law passed in California which requires storefronts to clearly state whether a consumer is purchasing a license for digital media.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam now says the ‘game’ you’re buying is really just a license |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214142023/https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/11/24267864/steam-buy-purchase-license-digital-storefront |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The licenses are tied to the Steam account, so if the consumer loses access to the account they will lose all the licenses with it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=11 Oct 2024 |title=Steam's new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don't actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers 'cannot be taken away from you' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117104943/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/steams-new-disclaimer-reminds-everyone-that-you-dont-actually-own-your-games-gog-moves-in-for-the-killshot-its-offline-installers-cannot-be-taken-away-from-you/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref> Steam forbids consumers from transferring their licenses to other accounts, even if the accounts are owned by the same person that purchased the license. Steam forbids consumers from allowing other people to use their Steam account, even if passed down via a will.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litchfield |first=Ted |date=2024-05-26 |title=You can't take it with you, but you can't leave it for someone else either: Valve says you aren't allowed to bequeath a Steam account in a will |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114134401/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/you-cant-take-it-with-you-but-you-cant-leave-it-behind-either-valve-says-you-arent-allowed-to-bequeath-a-steam-account-in-a-will/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

This is in contrast to Steam's main competitor [https://www.gog.com/en/ GOG], which states on its payment checkout screen: <blockquote>A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of DRM-free games |url=https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121055931/https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Fandom}}</ref>

===PC version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (2023)===
Counter-Strike 2, previously available as a 'Limited Test' since March 22nd 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=2023-03-22 |title=Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214114651/https://www.gamesradar.com/counter-strike-2-limited-test/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>, released on September 27th 2023, replacing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on [[Steam]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-09-27 |title=After 11 years of CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced the biggest game on Steam {{!}} GamesRadar+ |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |url-status=live |website=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223173642/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-11-years-of-csgo-counter-strike-2-has-officially-replaced-the-biggest-game-on-steam/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>. This removed access to Global Offensive for those who had purchased it, every mainline PC Counter-Strike game before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230014611/https://store.steampowered.com/app/10/CounterStrike/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref>, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Condition Zero on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228102653/https://store.steampowered.com/app/80/CounterStrike_Condition_Zero/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> and Counter-Strike: Source<ref>{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike: Source on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |url-status=live |website=Steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217184118/https://store.steampowered.com/app/240/CounterStrike_Source/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>) can still be purchased and played on [[Steam]] through a separate library entry so this was an unprecedented move from Valve.

A legacy version of Global Offensive called 'CS:GO Legacy' was released on October 10th 2023<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Legacy CS:GO Version |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010111016/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/73EF-08A3-0935-6369 |archive-date=2023-10-10}}</ref> after backlash from the Counter-Strike community towards the Counter-Strike 2 launch and Global Offensive replacement. This version can only be accessed while Counter-Strike 2 is installed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=2023-10-13 |title=How to play CS:GO now that Counter-Strike 2 is out {{!}} PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live |website=PCGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211035203/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Valve committed to supporting this version of the game until January 1st 2024<ref name=":0" /> but in that support window ignored bug reports from the community such as Counter-Strike 2 servers appearing in the community server browser with no way to distinguish these servers from Global Offensive servers unless the server specified what game it was targeting in it's name. CS:GO Legacy received only one update<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Counter-Strike 2 History · Change #20663547 · SteamDB |url=https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |url-status=live |website=SteamDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020235311/https://steamdb.info/app/730/history/?changeid=20663547 |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref> during its support window and this update didn't contain any public update notes so it is unclear what this may have fixed.

After the support window for CS:GO Legacy ended, numerous problems started occurring with the game. Global Offensive servers stopped appearing in the CS:GO Legacy community server browser<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=CS:GO Legacy servers being rejected from Steam / CS:GO Legacy server browser listings · Issue #4047 · ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux |url=https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514162130/https://github.com/ValveSoftware/csgo-osx-linux/issues/4047 |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref> which meant that only external third party server browsers could be used to find Global Offensive servers and these servers have to be added manually unlike [[Steam]]'s server browser which finds and queries new servers automatically. As a point of comparison, the mainline PC Counter-Strike games released before Global Offensive (Counter-Strike, Condition Zero and Source) still have a functional server browser without needing third party intervention.

It also became impossible to use multiple weapons (M4A1-S, USP-S, CZ75-Auto, MP5-SD, R8 Revolver) in regular gameplay on vanilla servers without plugins as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued on CS:GO Legacy.<ref>[[File:CS-GO Legacy Inventory Message.jpg|thumb|Pop-up message after attempting to open the Inventory on the main menu of CS:GO Legacy, screenshot taken 23rd October 2025.]]
</ref> There was an unofficial method of re-enabling the loadout system so these weapons could be equipped and used in game but this method was patched in the May 8th 2025 Counter-Strike 2 update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Csgo_Legacy_2023 – BaseQ WiQi |url=https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |url-status=live |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=BaseQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105023533/https://wiki.baseq.fr/Installation-Guides/Source/Csgo_Legacy_2023?revision=7fa46e#enabling-back-your-inventory |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref> Although patched for its intended purpose, some CS:GO Legacy community servers still require this method for players to join their servers.<ref name=":3" />
==Legal disputes==
Steam's predominance has led to Valve becoming involved in various legal cases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam (service) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228142840/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes |archive-date=28 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Dispute Title
!Year started and ended
(if concluded)
!Background Information
!Aftermath
!Related Articles
|-
|''ACCC v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Mar 2016 |title=Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=ACCC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013070949/https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/federal-court-finds-valve-made-misleading-representations-about-consumer-guarantees |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|2014–2016
|During this lawsuit, Valve was found by the Australian Federal Court to have refused to offer refunds for faulty or broken products.
|Users now have the ability to easily refund games they purchased, so long as they follow the refund policy.
|
|-
|''UFC Que Choisir v. Valve Corporation''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Tough Times Ahead for Digital Video Game Resellers: French Supreme Court Ruling in UFC Que Choisir v. Valve |url=https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=Fox Mandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122942/https://www.foxmandal.in/tough-times-ahead-for-digital-video-game-resellers-french-supreme-court-ruling-in-ufc-que-choisir-v-valve/ |archive-date=4 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|2015–2019
(still disputed)
|UFC Que Choisir sued Valve on the grounds that users deserved to resell their digital licenses.
|Users in France had the right to resell their digital Steam library, overturned in October 2024.
|
|-
|''McLeod v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=McLeod v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126102613/https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2016
|MacLeod started the first antitrust case against Valve Corp. over the sale of their games.
|Absorbed into another legal dispute; continues to be dismissed within Seattle courts.
|
|-
|''Wolfire Games v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-06 |title=Wolfire Games LLC v. Valve Corp. |url=https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202174447/https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7 |archive-date=2025-02-02 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Casetext}}</ref>
|2021–2022
|The first notable antitrust case against Valve's unfair market manipulation of their games.
|Absorbed into another dispute/now a [[class action lawsuit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=28 Nov 2024 |title=The antitrust lawsuit against Steam is now a class action, and that could have big repercussions for Valve |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118020850/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-antitrust-lawsuit-against-steam-is-now-a-class-action-and-that-could-have-big-repercussions-for-valve/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|
|-
|''Sean Colvin'' (and various others) ''v. Valve Corporation, CD Projekt S.A., CD Projekt, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Ubisoft, Inc., Ubisoft L.A., Inc., kChamp Games, Inc., Rust, LLC, and Devolver Digital, Inc.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=28 Jan 2021 |title=Popular Gaming Platform Accused of Abusing Market Power Through Contracts |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114174554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/popular-gaming-platform-accused-of-abusing-market-power-through-contracts-4124057/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|2021 - Unfinised
|Five individuals in California sued Valve (among various other publishers) over participating in anti-competitive behavior with the Steam platform, most notably over the sale of games for lesser prices on other platforms.
|Not concluded because of indefinite postponement by Valve.
|
|-
|''Bucher Law PLCC v. Valve Corp.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174529/https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Valve antitrust litigation |url=https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174522/https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2026-01-22 |website=Bucher Law Firm}}</ref>
|C.A. 2021 - Unfinished
|A companion to previous lawsuits against Valve over their anti-competitive monopoly, this time covering consumers over their purchase of games on Steam.
|Not concluded, slowly being arbitrated.
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]