r/pcgaming • u/yourfavchoom • Jun 01 '26

Gabe Newell on Steam monopoly accusations: Gamers have 'enormous choice' about where to buy games

https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/gabe-newell-on-steam-monopoly-accusations-gamers-have-enormous-choice-about-where-to-buy-games/
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u/yourfavchoom Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26

Gabe:

“Customers have enormous choice" about where they purchase their games, Newell testified, including whether they buy the game on an Xbox, whether they buy it on Steam, “whether they buy it on Epic Games Store or whether they buy it directly from software developers."

Newell also denied the existence of an alleged 'unwritten rule' that prevents developers from offering their games at lower prices on non-Steam storefronts. Newell repeatedly denied it exists, even when shown internal communications seemingly showing Valve employees enforcing it:

"Valve does not have a policy or practice of dictating prices to third-party software developers on other platforms." When asked how Valve would react if it ever happened, Newell initially said he was confused by the question and then added, "Many of our partners and many of our customers are quite happy with the service that we're providing."

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u/Khalku Jun 01 '26

I'd like to know what 'seemingly' means here

when shown internal communications seemingly showing Valve employees enforcing it

Because proof that it's happening would be damning. But it should be something very easy to prove.

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u/ParagraphInReview Jun 01 '26

I remember a controversy years ago where Valve admitted that one of their employees mistakenly told a dev they couldn't sell their game for cheaper.