Letitia James
Reporting and statements that mention Letitia James.
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New York finalizes its SAFE for Kids rules — and 98% is the figure platforms should be worried about
New York has finalized its SAFE for Kids Act rules, requiring social platforms to detect age verification circumvention at a 98% rate. The regulations, set to take effect January 25, 2027, mandate age verification for algorithmic feeds and late-night notifications, with penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance. The rules do not prescribe specific verification methods but set accuracy floors, and legal challenges are anticipated.
Stop Killing Games-backed California bill targeting online game shutdowns "isn't going to be an easy thing" to enforce, says the politician behind it
California Assemblymember Chris Ward acknowledges that enforcing a new bill aimed at protecting consumers from game server shutdowns will be challenging. The proposed legislation would require publishers to offer refunds or playable offline versions of games when servers are closed. Ward hopes the bill, if passed, will influence practices nationwide, similar to the 'California Effect' seen with other consumer protection laws.
Valve asks New York court to dismiss Counter-Strike lawsuit, says 'people enjoy surprises' and equating loot…
Valve has asked a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, which claims that Counter-Strike 2's item boxes constitute illegal gambling. Valve argues that players always receive what they pay for and that loot boxes are akin to collectibles like baseball cards, which are not considered gambling.
Valve moves to dismiss gambling lawsuit against Counter-Strike 2 cases
Valve has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General, which accuses the company of promoting unregulated gambling through Counter-Strike 2's in-game item cases, particularly to minors. Valve argues that punishing them would set a dangerous precedent, comparing the cases to collectibles like baseball cards and questioning the AG's interpretation of gambling laws. The lawsuit seeks damages and a ban on selling cases in New York.
"Valve does not cooperate with gambling sites" - Counter-Strike publishers issue rare public defence of lootbox mechanics, following New York lawsuit
Valve has publicly defended its lootbox mechanics in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2 against a lawsuit alleging illegal gambling. The company argues that these mechanics are not unique, do not provide in-game advantages, and that they have actively worked to combat gambling on their platform. Valve also stated they would comply with future legislation but disagreed with the proposed measures, believing they would harm users and developers.
Valve responds to NY Attorney General lawsuit: "We have serious concerns with the alterations the NYAG claims are necessary to make to our games"
Valve has responded to a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, disputing claims that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2 unlawfully encourage minors to gamble. Valve stated it does not believe its virtual items violate gambling laws and expressed disappointment that the lawsuit proceeded despite their efforts to educate the NYAG. The company also addressed concerns about the transferability of digital items and invasive data collection proposed by the NYAG.
Valve sued by The Performing Right Society for allegedly using its members musical works "without permission"
The Performing Right Society (PRS) has sued Valve, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted music on the Steam platform. PRS claims Valve has never obtained a license for music from its members, which includes songs featured in titles like Forza Horizon, EA FC, and Grand Theft Auto. Separately, Roblox has launched two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators in building and scaling games on its platform, while also highlighting growth opportunities within its older user demographic.
Live Nation settlement avoids breakup with Ticketmaster
Live Nation has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice in its antitrust case, agreeing to pay $200 million to states and implement changes to its business practices, including creating a standalone ticketing system for third-party competitors. The company will also divest up to 13 amphitheaters and avoid retaliation against venues that choose other ticket sellers over Ticketmaster, thus avoiding a breakup with Ticketmaster.
What does New York's legal case against Valve mean for the company and its players? To find out, we asked a lawyer
New York's attorney general is suing Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that the case hinges on whether digital goods are considered a "thing of value" under New York law, which has different statutes than other states. The lawsuit could have significant financial implications for Valve, particularly if an injunction is issued in New York.
"That would be a really big problem" - a specialist lawyer weighs in on New York suing Valve over Counter Strike 2 and Dota 2 loot boxes
New York's attorney general is suing Valve over loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, alleging they constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that New York's legal framework may differ from other states, potentially allowing the suit to proceed by focusing on the actual practice and value of digital items rather than terms of service. The case's outcome could significantly impact Valve's operations in New York, especially if an injunction is issued.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Has Its Own Page on Steam Again — but There's a Catch - IGN
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has been relisted on the Steam store, though it remains unlisted and unsearchable. While servers and matchmaking are not available, thousands of players are still engaging with the 14-year-old title. Separately, the New York Attorney General's office is suing Valve, alleging that games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 facilitate illegal gambling through the sale of virtual items.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
New York sues Valve over loot boxes, alleges gambling law violations
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 promote illegal gambling and harm minors. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's promotion of illegal gambling and impose fines, citing the company's billions in profits from these in-game mechanics.
Valve accused of "letting children and adults alike illegally gamble" via loot boxes in New York state lawsuit
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging the company violates gambling laws through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve from promoting these features, disgorge ill-gotten gains, and impose fines, citing potential harm and addiction, especially to young people.
New York sues Valve over "illegally promoting gambling" for loot boxes
New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Valve, alleging that the company illegally promotes gambling through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims these mechanics, which allow players to buy chances for valuable virtual items that can be sold for real money, are akin to slot machines and are particularly harmful to minors. Valve is accused of facilitating third-party marketplaces for these items and profiting significantly from this practice.
Valve is getting sued in New York, this time over loot boxes in Counter Strike and Dota 2
The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, is suing Valve, alleging that the company facilitates illegal gambling through loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims that Valve profits from allowing "children and adults" to gamble on virtual items with real-world value, potentially leading to addiction. The state is seeking to permanently stop Valve's alleged illegal conduct and obtain restitution and damages for consumers.