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{{StubNotice}}
{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Steam
| Release Year = 2003
| Product Type = Video Game Distribution Platform
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://store.steampowered.com
| Logo = Steam.png
}}
Steam is a digital video game distribution service and storefront operated by Valve Corporation. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 130 million monthly active users as of 2024. The platform offers digital rights management (DRM), server hosting, video streaming, and social networking services.<ref>[https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/about "At Valve we make games, Steam, and hardware."] ''Valve Corporation''.  2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>


[[File:Steamforcedagreement.png|thumb|Steam Subscriber Agreement Updated on Sep 26 2024 to mess with arbitration. After people had an issue with not being allowed to own their games, an antitrust lawsuit followed. ]]
== Consumer Protection Profile ==
Founded in 2004, Steam is a gaming platform owned by [[Valve|Valve Corporation]] where users can purchase games and download them to a computer. Users launch their games through the Steam program and can also stream their games to a mobile device with the Steam app.


== Purchasing Games ==
==== Privacy ====
Through the Steam program or the Steam website and mobile app, users can buy games to add to their library. Steam uses a button that says "purchase" when you buy a game, however according to their [https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/ subscriber agreement] these games are licensed and not sold. Steam has control of the games you own and can also force you to update or can remove your games at any time.  
'''Status:''' Moderate Concerns
== '''Lawsuit Case 2:21-cv-00563-JNW Document 391 Filed 11/26/24''' ==
* Collects extensive personal data including email, location, payment details, and device information<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://store.steampowered.com/privacy_agreement/ "Privacy Policy Agreement."] ''Steam''. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>
This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiff Wolfire Games, LLC, Dark
* Tracks detailed gaming behavior including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Records and stores all user communications through platform features<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Keeps certain user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites<ref name="privacy-policy"/>


Catt Studios Holdings, Inc., and Dark Catt Studio Interactive LLC’s (together,
==== Transparency ====
'''Status:''' Minor Concerns
* Provides clear refund policy for games (any game played less than 2 hours within 14 days)<ref name="subscriber-agreement">[https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement "Steam Subscriber Agreement."] ''Steam''. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>
* Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Offers comprehensive privacy policy in accessible language<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Unclear processes for account termination and data removal<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Limited transparency about content moderation decisions<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Vague about specific data retention timeframes<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy"/>


“Plaintiffs”) motion for class certification and the appointment of class counsel, Dkt.
==== Freedom ====
'''Status:''' Significant Concerns
* Users do not own purchased games, only receive limited licenses<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* No right to transfer or resell purchased games<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Forces operating system updates to maintain game access<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Mandatory client updates required to access library<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Many single-player games require online connectivity<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>
* No option to opt out of core data collection while using service<ref name="privacy-policy"/>


No. 2561 , and Defendant Valve Corporation’s motion to exclude expert testimony,
== Consumer Protection Incidents ==


Dkt. No. 321 2 . The Court has considered the papers submitted in support of and
==== Terms of Service Modification (Sep. 2024) ====
In September 2024, Steam implemented significant changes to its subscriber agreement that altered user rights and game ownership terms. However, they also removed [[Forced Arbitration|forced arbitration]] from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.<ref>Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). [https://www.polygon.com/explained/457557/valve-arbitration-steam-subscriber-agreements "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you"]. ''Polygon''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref><ref>Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f81qXxggo8 "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!"] ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Key changes included:


opposition to the motions, and being otherwise fully informed, finds oral argument
* Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations
* Expanded rights to modify or remove access to purchased content
* Additional data collection and sharing provisions
* Modified dispute resolution procedures


==== Customer Database Hack (Oct. 2011) ====


Video games are big business. Early in their history, PC games were
In October 2011, Valve was forced to temporarily close the Steam Community forums following security breach concerns. Days later, the company confirmed that hackers had compromised one of its customer databases. The compromised database contained user information including encrypted credit card numbers, billing addresses, purchase histories, email addresses, and encrypted Steam account passwords.<ref>Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). [https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/11/valve-confirms-steam-hack-credit-cards-personal-info-may-be-stolen/ "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen"]. ''Ars Technica''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>


distributed on physical media and purchased at brick-and-mortar retail locations,
At the time of disclosure, Valve stated they had no evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or personally identifying information had been taken, nor was there evidence that the encryption on the credit card numbers or passwords had been cracked. However, they advised users to closely monitor their credit card activity and statements as a precautionary measure.


but now they’re distributed digitally. Valve, through its Steam Store and Steam
== References ==
 
<references />
platform (collectively, “Steam”), is the largest distributor in the world, offering over
[[Category:Product Line]][[Category:Companies]][[Category:Product]][[Category:Company]]
 
50,000 titles for sale and play. See, e.g., Dkt. No. 127 ¶ 52. Valve started out
 
developing its own games, id. ¶¶ 46–54, but it is no longer primarily a developer. Id.
 
It leaves this task to others, ranging from small independent developers to large-
 
scale developers (“AAA” studios) like Electronic Arts and Epic Games. Id. ¶¶ 24,
 
136, 298, 355, 358. Valve then sells and distributes those games to end users
 
through its Steam platform and provides other game-related services. Id. ¶¶ 2, 3.
 
From the end-users’ perspective, the process works like this: A gamer creates
 
a Steam account and buys a video game through the Steam Store.4 Id. ¶¶ 11, 16, 40,
 
49. The gamer then downloads the game, uses Steam to launch it on their computer,
 
 
You can Read The Document [https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.wawd.298754/gov.uscourts.wawd.298754.391.0.pdf Here]
<!-- Ideally we shouldn't just be copy pasting large chunks of legal text, especially not without adequate context -->
 
 
 
== Steam Subscriber Agreement ==
Below is the Steam subscriber agreement that users agree to when obtaining games on Steam.
 
<blockquote>
<p>As a Subscriber you may obtain access to certain services, software and content available to Subscribers or purchase certain Hardware (as defined below) on Steam. The Steam client software and any other software, content, and updates you download or access via Steam, including but not limited to Valve or third-party video games and in-game content, software associated with Hardware and any virtual items you trade, sell or purchase in a Steam Subscription Marketplace are referred to in this Agreement as "Content and Services;" the rights to access and/or use any Content and Services accessible through Steam are referred to in this Agreement as "Subscriptions."</p>
 
<p><nowiki>Each Subscription allows you to access particular Content and Services. Some Subscriptions may impose additional terms specific to that Subscription ("Subscription Terms") (for example, an end user license agreement specific to a particular game, or terms of use specific to a particular product or feature of Steam). Also, additional terms (for example, payment and billing procedures) may be posted on http://www.steampowered.com or within the Steam service ("Rules of Use"). Rules of Use include the Steam Online Conduct Rules http://steampowered.com/index.php?area=online_conduct and the Steam Refund Policy http://store.steampowered.com/steam_refunds. The Subscription Terms, the Rules of Use, and the Valve Privacy Policy (which can be found at http://www.valvesoftware.com/privacy.htm) are binding on you once you indicate your acceptance of them or of this Agreement, or otherwise become bound by them as described in Section 8 (Amendments to this Agreement).</nowiki></p>
</blockquote>
 
----
 
<blockquote>
Steam and your Subscription(s) require the download and installation of Content and Services onto your computer. Valve hereby grants, and you accept, a non-exclusive license and right, to use the Content and Services for your personal, non-commercial use (except where commercial use is expressly allowed herein or in the applicable Subscription Terms). This license ends upon termination of (a) this Agreement or (b) a Subscription that includes the license. The Content and Services are licensed, not sold. Your license confers no title or ownership in the Content and Services. To make use of the Content and Services, you must have a Steam Account and you may be required to be running the Steam client and maintaining a connection to the Internet.
</blockquote>
 
- ''Steam Subscriber Agreement''.
 
[[File:Steam Subscriber Agreement.png|thumb|The Steam subscriber agreement excerpt]]
[[File:Steam purchase screen.png|thumb|Steam purchase button]]
Purchases are referred to as content and services is licensed to users, not sold.
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]

Revision as of 20:18, 17 January 2025


❗Article Status Notice: This Article is a stub

Notice: This Article Requires Additional Expansion

This article is underdeveloped, and needs additional work to meet the wiki's Content Guidelines and be in line with our Mission Statement for comprehensive coverage of consumer protection issues. Issues may include:

  • This article needs to be expanded to provide meaningful information
  • This article requires additional verifiable evidence to demonstrate systemic impact
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  • The connection between individual incidents and company-wide practices needs to be better established
  • The article is simply too short, and lacks sufficient content

How You Can Help:

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  • Flesh out the article with relevant information

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Steam
Basic Information
Release Year 2003
Product Type Video Game Distribution Platform
In Production Yes
Official Website https://store.steampowered.com


Steam is a digital video game distribution service and storefront operated by Valve Corporation. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 130 million monthly active users as of 2024. The platform offers digital rights management (DRM), server hosting, video streaming, and social networking services.[1]

Consumer Protection Profile

Privacy

Status: Moderate Concerns

  • Collects extensive personal data including email, location, payment details, and device information[2]
  • Tracks detailed gaming behavior including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage[2]
  • Records and stores all user communications through platform features[2]
  • Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure[2]
  • Keeps certain user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion[2]
  • Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers[2]
  • Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API[2]
  • Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites[2]

Transparency

Status: Minor Concerns

  • Provides clear refund policy for games (any game played less than 2 hours within 14 days)[3]
  • Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games[3]
  • Offers comprehensive privacy policy in accessible language[2]
  • Unclear processes for account termination and data removal[2]
  • Limited transparency about content moderation decisions[3]
  • Vague about specific data retention timeframes[2]
  • No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors[2]

Freedom

Status: Significant Concerns

  • Users do not own purchased games, only receive limited licenses[3]
  • Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion[3]
  • No right to transfer or resell purchased games[3]
  • Forces operating system updates to maintain game access[3]
  • Mandatory client updates required to access library[3]
  • Many single-player games require online connectivity[3]
  • Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing[3]
  • Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice[3]
  • Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content[3]
  • No option to opt out of core data collection while using service[2]

Consumer Protection Incidents

Terms of Service Modification (Sep. 2024)

In September 2024, Steam implemented significant changes to its subscriber agreement that altered user rights and game ownership terms. However, they also removed forced arbitration from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.[4][5] Key changes included:

  • Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations
  • Expanded rights to modify or remove access to purchased content
  • Additional data collection and sharing provisions
  • Modified dispute resolution procedures

Customer Database Hack (Oct. 2011)

In October 2011, Valve was forced to temporarily close the Steam Community forums following security breach concerns. Days later, the company confirmed that hackers had compromised one of its customer databases. The compromised database contained user information including encrypted credit card numbers, billing addresses, purchase histories, email addresses, and encrypted Steam account passwords.[6]

At the time of disclosure, Valve stated they had no evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or personally identifying information had been taken, nor was there evidence that the encryption on the credit card numbers or passwords had been cracked. However, they advised users to closely monitor their credit card activity and statements as a precautionary measure.

References

  1. ↑ "At Valve we make games, Steam, and hardware." Valve Corporation. 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 "Privacy Policy Agreement." Steam. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Steam Subscriber Agreement." Steam. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  4. ↑ Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you". Polygon. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  5. ↑ Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!" YouTube. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  6. ↑ Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
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