Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Valve

2026-01-22T17:16:34Z

OskaRRRitoS: Update some references

{{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.

==Anti-Consumer Practices==

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: "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." 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: "A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you."<ref name=":2" />

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]]

Jailbreak

2026-01-11T22:45:01Z

OskaRRRitoS: Add to legality section, archive citations

{{Stub}}
'''[[wikipedia:Privilege_escalation#Jailbreaking|Jailbreaking]]''', in general, consists of bypassing artificial restrictions of a system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JAILBREAK Definition & Meaning {{!}} Dictionary.com |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/jailbreak |url-status=live}}</ref>

When referred to as '''[[wikipedia:Rooting_(Android)|rooting]]''', it consist of gaining access to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superuser SuperUser] account of the system, or at least, to get the same permissions as that user.

It is worth noting that the terms "to root a device" and "rooting a device" are misleading, as <code>root</code> is a concept that only exists when a kernel is running. Rooting is performed on software, not hardware.

==Reasons to jailbreak==

Jailbreaking enables users to install unsigned applications and tweak functionality of the OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-24 |title=FAQ {{!}} iOS Guide |url=https://ios.cfw.guide/faq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251226030710/https://ios.cfw.guide/faq/ |archive-date=2025-12-26 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=cfw}}</ref>

==Legality==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Country
!Legal?
!Details and Source
|-
|🇩🇪
|Germany
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aschermann |first=Tim |date=2018-09-07 |title=iPhone/iPad Jailbreak - legal oder illegal? |url=https://praxistipps.chip.de/iphoneipad-jailbreak-legal-oder-illegal_46467 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811232138/https://praxistipps.chip.de/iphoneipad-jailbreak-legal-oder-illegal_46467 |archive-date=2025-08-11 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=CHIP}}</ref>
|-
|🇵🇱
|Poland
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software<ref>{{Cite web |last=Różańska |first=Joanna |date=2022-12-20 |title=Co to jest jailbreak? |url=https://nordvpn.com/pl/blog/co-to-jest-jailbreak/#czy-jailbreak-jest-legalny |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=NordVPN}}</ref>
|-
|🇺🇸
|United States of America
|Yes
|Jailbreaking was declared exempt from the[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act | DMCA]] in 2010<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kravets |first=David |date=July 26, 2010 |title=U.S. Declares iPhone Jailbreaking Legal, Over Apple’s Objections |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/07/feds-ok-iphone-jailbreaking/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231125132/https://www.wired.com/2010/07/feds-ok-iphone-jailbreaking/ |archive-date=2025-12-31 |access-date=2026-01-11 |work=WIRED}}</ref>
|-
|🇬🇧
|United Kingdom
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elmore |first=John |date=2025-01-27 |title=Unlocking the Truth: Is Jailbreaking Legal in the UK? |url=https://thetechylife.com/is-jailbreaking-legal-uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260111223720/https://thetechylife.com/is-jailbreaking-legal-uk/ |archive-date=2026-01-11 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=TheTechyLife}}</ref>
|}

==Further reading==

*[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]
*[[Battery firmware lockout]]
*[[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]
*[[Sideloading]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Common terms]]

Discord / 5CA Data Breach

2026-01-10T21:34:16Z

OskaRRRitoS: Initial write-up for this incident

On 3rd October 2025, [[Discord]] published a press release stating that one of their third-party service providers, later revealed to be [[5CA]], was the target of a data breach. Discord states that they have identified around 70,000 users that may have been impacted by having images of their government ID taken.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251220165327/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=20 Dec 2025 |access-date=2025-10-13 |website=Discord}}</ref>

== Background ==
In 2023, the UK government passed the [[UK Online Safety Act|Online Safety Act]]. In 2025, the Online Safety Act was amended to require platforms to verify the age of its users when they try to access content considered harmful to children.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2025 |title=Online Safety Act: explainer |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer |website=Gov.uk}}</ref>

Discord implemented age verification in 2025. A user could verify their age using face scanning or by uploading a picture of their government-issued ID. If the face scan does not correctly determine the user's age as old enough, using their ID becomes the only option to confirm their age.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahman-Jones1 Vallance2 |first=Imran1 Chris2 |date=2025-04-17 |title=Discord's face scanning age checks 'start of a bigger shift' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr75wypg0vo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230081436/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr75wypg0vo |archive-date=2025-12-30 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=BBC}}</ref>

== Incident ==
Discord stated in a press release that an unauthorized party compromised 5CA, one of the customer service vendors used by Discord, stealing data that was shared by users with their Customer Support. Discord states that they themselves were not breached.

The data involved in the breach was:

* Name, Discord username, email, and other contact details provided to Discord customer support
* Limited billing information such as payment type, last four digits of credit card, and purchase history
* IP addresses
* Messages with customer service agents
* Images of users' government IDs

Discord states that around 70,000 users may have had their government ID exposed.<ref name=":0" />

5CA denied that they were hacked, stating that they do not handle government-issued IDs. They admit that the data breach may have involved human error from one of their employees but deny that the breach involved any of their systems or other clients.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=14 October 2025 |title=Holding Statement Regarding Security Incident |url=https://5ca.com/blog/holding-statement-security-incident/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219030045/https://5ca.com/blog/holding-statement-security-incident/ |archive-date=2025-12-19 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=5CA}}</ref>

BleepingComputer reported to have contacted the hackers involved in the data breach. The alleged hackers claimed that they were able to access the data via Zendesk and collected around 1.6TB of data concerning around 5.5 million users. They claim that Discord understated the amount of users who had their government ID exposed as they found around 521,000 tickets relating to age verification. BleepingComputer could not verify the hackers' claims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=2025-10-08 |title=Hackers claim Discord breach exposed data of 5.5 million users |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-claim-discord-breach-exposed-data-of-55-million-users/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206212912/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-claim-discord-breach-exposed-data-of-55-million-users/ |archive-date=2025-12-06 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

ASUS

2025-08-18T15:29:08Z

OskaRRRitoS: Re-phrase incident descriptions

{{StubNotice}}{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = ASUSTeK Computer Inc
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1989
| Industry = Electronics Manufacturer
| Official Website = https://asus.com/
| Logo = ASUS Logo.svg
}}

'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.

==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==

===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.

===Repair practices===
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Asus]]

Talk:QIDI 3D printer house fire

2025-08-17T13:22:36Z

OskaRRRitoS: /* Move to "QIDI 3D printer house fire" */

== Move to "QIDI 3D printer house fire" ==

This article is about a specific incident rather than about the company as a whole. I think renaming it would make sense, perhaps creating a new article on the company that references this incident.

It might also be good to remove it from the "Article Suggestions" page since it is pretty detailed already. [[User:OskaRRRitoS|OskaRRRitoS]] ([[User talk:OskaRRRitoS|talk]]) 13:22, 17 August 2025 (UTC)

Valve

2025-08-17T13:16:14Z

OskaRRRitoS: Tweak citation, fix spelling mistake

{{InfoboxCompany
| Company = Valve Corporation
| Name = Valve
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1996
| Industry = Digital distribution, software development, hardware engineering
| Official Website = https://valvesoftware.com/
| Logo = Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
}}[[wikipedia:Valve_Corporation|'''Valve Corporation''']], also known as Valve Software, was founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington. It is the owner of the popular digital software distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines.
{{Clear}}
==Legal disputes==
Steam's predominance has led to Valve becoming involved in various legal cases.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes</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}}</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}}</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>https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp</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>https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7</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}}</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}}</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>https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/valve </ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf</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.
|
|}

==Anti-Consumer Practices==

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: "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." 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

This is in contrast to GOG, which states on its payment checkout screen: "A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you."<ref name=":2" />

Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 provided 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}}</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}}</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 as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued. If any of these weapons were equipped before the loadout system discontinuation, they will appear in the game's buy menu but the player will receive their counterparts when purchased. 

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

QIDI 3D printer house fire

2025-08-16T18:11:45Z

OskaRRRitoS: Remove stub banner, article is sufficiently detailed

In early 2025, a consumer reported a catastrophic house fire allegedly caused by a Qidi Tech Plus 4 3D printer. The incident gained widespread attention after the user claimed their report was censored on the company's official subreddit.<ref name="RedditPost">{{Cite web |author=r/3Dprinting |date=31 March 2025 |title=R/QidiTech3d Permanently banned me for warning people after my family lost everything from a fire! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/1jnuju1/rqiditech3d_permanently_banned_me_for_warning/ |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> The subsequent public outcry led to a community-driven technical investigation that identified potential systemic design flaws, including an under-specified Solid-State Relay (SSR) and the absence of a thermal fuse, which could lead to thermal runaway.<ref name="MakerForums">{{Cite web |date=1 Apr 2025 |title=Qidi permanently banned a customer for reporting that a Qidi Plus4 caught fire and destroyed their entire house |url=https://forum.makerforums.info/t/qidi-permanently-banned-a-customer-for-reporting-that-a-qidi-plus4-caught-fire-and-destroyed-their-entire-house/92980 |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=Maker Forums}}</ref> In response, Qidi Tech initiated a program to provide replacement parts and released firmware updates, though the adequacy of these solutions was debated within the 3D printing community.<ref name="PFF164">{{Cite web |author=@3DMusketeers |date=1 Nov 2024 |title=Fire Hazards & Fight Club Fails! - PrintFixFriday 164 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvhohMVPl1Q |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Background==

Zhejiang Qidi Electronic Co., Ltd., operating as Qidi Tech, is a Chinese manufacturer of 3D printers founded in 2014. The company produces a range of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and resin-based printers for hobbyists and professional users.<ref name="QidiAbout">{{Cite web |title=About QIDI Tech |url=https://eu.qidi3d.com/pages/about |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[QIDI]]}}</ref>

The product at the center of the controversy is the Qidi Tech Plus 4, a CoreXY 3D printer. A key feature of the Plus 4 is its large, fully enclosed build volume with an actively heated build chamber capable of reaching temperatures up to 65°C. This feature is critical for printing with engineering-grade materials like ABS and Nylon, which are prone to warping without a consistently hot environment.<ref name="TomsHardware">{{Cite web |last=Bertacchi |first=Denise |date=18 Apr 2025 |title=QIDI Plus4 Review: Bigger is Better |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/qidi-plus4-review |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> The high-power electrical system required to heat the chamber became the focal point of the subsequent safety concerns.

==The incident: House fire and censorship allegations==

The controversy began on March 31, 2025, when Reddit user u/ProgressLocal1511 alleged that their Qidi Tech Plus 4 printer had catastrophically failed and started a fire that resulted in the complete destruction of their home. According to the user's account, the printer was operating with PETG filament. Approximately 15 to 30 minutes after a routine check, smoke alarms were triggered. The user discovered dense smoke and flames emanating from the rear of the machine, and the fire escalated too rapidly to be controlled with a home fire extinguisher.<ref name="RedditPost" />

The incident's scope expanded significantly when the user reported that their attempts to warn other owners on the official r/QidiTech3d subreddit were censored. They claimed their posts were removed and their account was permanently banned from the forum.<ref name="RedditPost" /> This action was perceived by the broader community as an attempt to suppress critical safety information, triggering the "Streisand effect," where the effort to censor the report amplified its reach across social media and 3D printing news outlets.<ref name="Fabbaloo">{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Kerry |date=4 Apr 2025 |title=Reports Emerge of Fires Caused by Qidi Plus 4 3D Printer |url=https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/reports-emerge-of-fires-caused-by-qidi-plus-4-3d-printer |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=Fabbaloo}}</ref>

==Community technical investigation==

A collaborative, community-driven technical analysis emerged, identifying two critical design flaws in the printer's chamber heating system that presented a systemic fire risk.

===Solid-state relay (SSR) failure===

The primary component identified as a point of failure was the Solid-State Relay (SSR), an electronic switch that controls power to the mains-powered chamber heater. The investigation concluded that the SSR was under-specified for the electrical load, particularly in regions with a 110V power grid. The higher current draw at 110V caused the SSR to operate near its maximum rating, leading to overheating and a high likelihood of failure.<ref name="RedditSSR_PSA">{{Cite web |author=r/QIDI |date=2024 |title=PSA: SSR Safety Issues With Qidi Tech PLUS 4 Printer: 'The way it's been handled so far can only be described as negligent... As of right now I cannot recommend this printer.' |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/QIDI/comments/1ghh06b/psa_ssr_safety_issues_with_qidi_tech_plus_4/ |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

Crucially, a common failure mode for an SSR is to fail "closed," meaning it becomes permanently stuck in the "on" position. This allows unregulated power to flow to the heating element, causing a thermal runaway where the temperature rises uncontrollably until a component ignites.<ref name="MakerForums" />

===Absence of a thermal fuse===

Compounding the risk was the absence of a thermal fuse. A thermal fuse is a low-cost safety component that physically breaks an electrical circuit if a dangerously high temperature is reached. It acts as a hardware-level failsafe against a thermal runaway event caused by a failed SSR. The omission of this standard safety component, which is common in other consumer heating appliances, was widely condemned by the technical community as a significant design oversight.<ref name="MakerForums" />

==Qidi Tech's response==

Following public backlash, Qidi Tech acknowledged a problem with the "heater power boards" in printers operating in 110V regions. The company's official statement attributed the issue to "high temperatures" causing "accelerated aging of the inductor" but asserted there was "no fire risk associated with this issue".<ref name="All3DP">{{Cite web |last=Mensley |first=Matthew |date=7 Nov 2024 |title=Plus4 Issue Prompts Qidi Tech to Offer Replacement Parts |url=https://all3dp.com/4/plus4-issue-prompts-qidi-tech-to-offer-replacement-parts/ |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=All3DP}}</ref>

As a remedy, Qidi Tech initiated a program to ship "optimized replacement heater power boards" to affected customers and released firmware updates with "optimized chamber heating logic."<ref name="QidiFirmware">{{Cite web |title=Firmware Download |url=https://qidi3d.com/pages/firmware-download |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[QIDI]]}}</ref> However, these solutions were criticized by many commentators as an inadequate software patch for a fundamental hardware safety flaw, arguing that no firmware could prevent a fire if the physical SSR component failed.<ref name="PFF164" />

==Consumer and media reaction==

===Media coverage===

Leading 3D printing news publications, including Fabbaloo and All3DP, covered the story in detail, criticizing the initial censorship and calling for greater transparency.<ref name="Fabbaloo" /><ref name="All3DP" /> Influential YouTube channels, such as 3D Musketeers and Ricky Impey, produced in-depth videos explaining the technical issues, which were instrumental in pressuring Qidi Tech to publicly address the problem.<ref name="PFF186">{{Cite web |author=@3DMusketeers |date=4 Apr 2025 |title=Qidi Plus 4: 3D Printer or Firestarter? - PrintFixFriday 186 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6sktfZMhur4 |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

===Community-developed solutions===

In response to the perceived inadequacy of the official fix, technically skilled users designed and shared their own safety modifications. These community-driven guides detailed how to replace the under-specified stock SSR with a higher-rated component and, most importantly, how to add the missing thermal fuse to the heater circuit. This proactive response created a decentralized, open-source repair program that provided a more robust safety solution than the one offered by the manufacturer.<ref name="PrintablesFix">{{Cite web |title=Fail-safe Chamber Heater SSR for Qidi Plus 4 |url=https://www.printables.com/model/1053814-fail-safe-chamber-heater-ssr-for-qidi-plus-4 |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=Printables}}</ref><ref name="YouTubeFix">{{Cite web |author=@3DPrintSOS |date=20 Nov 2024 |title=FIXING the Qidi Plus 4 - DIY SSR Upgrade |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYKGGycYN2w |access-date=5 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Current status==

In the months following the incident, Qidi Tech reportedly began shipping newer batches of the Plus 4 printer with the updated heater board pre-installed. However, the community-developed SSR and thermal fuse upgrades remain a popular modification for owners seeking a higher level of hardware safety.

While the possibility of legal action was discussed among consumers, as of late 2025, no public records indicate that a lawsuit was filed in direct connection to the reported house fire. The incident highlighted the significant jurisdictional hurdles consumers face when seeking recourse against foreign-based manufacturers.<ref name="RedditPost" />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Qidi Tech]]
[[Category:Qidi Tech Plus 4]]

Valve

2025-08-16T17:48:41Z

OskaRRRitoS: Add to section titled "Steam users do not own their games (2024)"

{{InfoboxCompany
| Company = Valve Corporation
| Name = Valve
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1996
| Industry = Digital distribution, software development, hardware engineering
| Official Website = https://valvesoftware.com/
| Logo = Valve_Corporation_Logo.svg
}}[[wikipedia:Valve_Corporation|'''Valve Corporation''']], also known as Valve Software, was founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington. It is the owner of the popular digital software distribution service [[Steam]]. Valve additionally develops tools frequently used by various professional and amateur creators, such as Source Filmmaker and the Source Engines.
{{Clear}}
==Legal disputes==
Steam's predominance has led to Valve becoming involved in various legal cases.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(service)#Legal_disputes</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}}</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}}</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>https://casetext.com/case/mcleod-v-valve-corp</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>https://casetext.com/case/wolfire-games-llc-v-valve-corp-7</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}}</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}}</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>https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/valve </ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bucher Law Steam Lawsuit |url=https://lawgud.com/lawsuit/bucher-law-steam-lawsuit/ |access-date=7 Apr 2025 |website=LawGud}}</ref><ref>https://www.bucherlawfirm.com/_files/ugd/38f6ef_69ae2fee5c5548538d526669d99be533.pdf</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.
|
|}

==Anti-Consumer Practices==

===Steam users do not own their games (2024)===
In October 2024, Valve added a note to Steam's payment checkout screen which states: "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." 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

This is in contrast to GOG, which states on its payment checkout screen: "A purchase of a digital product on GOG grants you its Offline Installers, which cannot be taken away from you."<ref name=":2" />

Some games downloaded through Steam can be played without the Steam client running.<ref>https://steam.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games#Paradox_Development_Studio_games</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 provided 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}}</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 occuring 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}}</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 as the loadout system used to switch between weapons and equip weapon skins was discontinued. If any of these weapons were equipped before the loadout system discontinuation, they will appear in the game's buy menu but the player will receive their counterparts when purchased. 

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