Millions of UK gamers now part of lawsuit against Valve unless they opt out
A long-running legal case involving Valve and its Steam platform has now reached a stage where it directly affects users in the UK. UK Steam users are now automatically included in a lawsuit as the opt-out window opens until June.
The case, brought by consumer rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt on behalf of UK consumers, takes shots at Valve’s practices around game distribution and pricing on Steam. It covers purchases of games and add-ons made between 2018 and 2024 for UK users - also, there's an extended window going back to 2010 for users in Scotland.
The latest update comes after the granting of a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) on March 11, 2026. This order formally allows the claim to proceed on an opt-out basis. What this means is that eligible users are automatically part of the case unless they choose to leave it. A dedicated opt-out process is now live. Users who do not wish to be included must submit a request by June 11, 2026. This can be done through an online form, email, or post, and requires basic details such as name, address, and a clear statement confirming the decision to opt out.
If no action is taken, users will be a part of the claim by default. However, opting out removes any eligibility for compensation should the case succeed. The FAQ also states that participants do not face financial risk if the claim is unsuccessful. The lawsuit itself is not new. It was first filed in June 2024 and approved to proceed as a collective action in January 2026.
Discussion around the update has already started heating up in online forums, especially r/Steam. Users have started sharing opt-out links and clarifying eligibility requirements. Much of the conversation is based on who needs to take action and what information must be submitted. You can follow the discussion via the post embedded below:
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