Wolfire Games
Wolfire Games business and news from across the web.
Dutch non-profit set to take Valve to court for keeping game prices highA Dutch non-profit, the Consumer Competition Claims Foundation, is preparing to take Valve to court over allegations of artificially inflating PC game prices on Steam. The organization claims Valve's 30% commission and contractual terms prevent developers from offering games at lower prices on competing storefronts, leading to overpayments by Dutch gamers estimated at over 220 million euros.
"What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" Gabe Newell reportedly once shouted at one of Valve's Lionel Hutzes during Steam porn debateValve boss Gabe Newell reportedly reacted strongly to a debate about allowing pornographic content on Steam, yelling at general counsel Karl Quackenbush. The incident is part of a broader discussion on Valve's corporate culture, stemming from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games. Newell testified in the suit, denying Steam has a monopoly and asserting customers have numerous purchasing choices.
Gabe Newell hits back at claims that Steam has a monopoly on the PC marketplaceValve President Gabe Newell has testified that Steam does not hold a monopoly in the PC gaming market, despite facing antitrust lawsuits from Wolfire Games and others. Newell claims consumers have numerous purchasing options and denies Valve enforces price parity obligations on other platforms. While Steam holds a dominant market share, Valve attributes its success to continuous innovation rather than a monopoly.
Valve Boss Testifies “Consumers Have Enormous Choice” on PC During Antitrust LawsuitValve president Gabe Newell testified in a 2023 antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games, asserting that PC consumers have extensive choices for purchasing games. Newell denied claims of an unwritten rule preventing developers from offering lower prices on competing platforms, despite evidence presented to the contrary. Wolfire Games' lawsuit alleges that Valve's practices harm developers and gamers by leveraging Steam's dominant market position.
Gabe Newell on Steam monopoly accusations: Gamers have 'enormous choice' about where to buy gamesValve chief Gabe Newell testified in an antitrust lawsuit, denying that Steam holds a monopoly on PC gaming and stating that customers have 'enormous choice' in where they buy games. Newell also denied an alleged unwritten rule preventing developers from offering lower prices on competing storefronts, despite internal communications suggesting otherwise.