Valve Steam Threatens Game Removal Over Cheaper Prices Elsewhere

Valve may remove games from Steam if they are sold for less on other stores, a new report claims. This is a change from how games were previously handled.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Technology |

Valve, the company behind the ubiquitous PC game distribution platform Steam, has reportedly employed aggressive tactics to maintain its dominance. A recent incident involving Ubisoft's popular title, 'Rainbow Six Siege', suggests Valve threatened to remove the game from its storefront. This action appears to stem from Ubisoft's decision to offer a cheaper version of 'Rainbow Six Siege' on a different platform, a move that seemingly encroached upon Steam's established pricing structures.

Valve Reportedly Threatened to Delist Rainbow Six Siege on Steam After Ubisoft Offered Cheaper Alternative - 1

The core of the dispute centers on pricing control and platform leverage. Valve's alleged threat to delist 'Rainbow Six Siege' points to a deep-seated concern about maintaining price parity and discouraging developers from offering more attractive deals elsewhere.

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Sources indicate that Ubisoft had planned to sell 'Rainbow Six Siege' at a lower price point, potentially impacting Steam's market share and revenue. Valve's response, as reported, involved a warning that the game could be removed from the Steam store. This maneuver underscores Valve's perceived control over game distribution and its willingness to exert pressure to preserve its ecosystem.

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Valve, which also develops games and hardware like the Steam Deck and Steam Controller, positions itself as a facilitator of "entertainment." The company's influence on the PC gaming landscape is substantial, with its Steam platform long considered a de facto standard for digital game acquisition. Despite previous statements from Valve's Gabe Newell denying any internal policies to dictate third-party pricing on other platforms, this reported incident paints a different picture of its operational strategies.

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The context of this alleged pressure comes as Valve continues to push new hardware, including the Steam Machine and an updated Steam Controller, aiming to solidify its presence across various gaming environments. These hardware initiatives, alongside the expansive Steam marketplace, represent Valve's multifaceted approach to engaging with the gaming community and its persistent efforts to shape the market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Valve reportedly threaten to remove Rainbow Six Siege from Steam?
Reports say Valve threatened to remove the game because Ubisoft planned to sell it cheaper on another platform, which Valve saw as a threat to its pricing.
Q: How does this Valve action affect gamers?
Gamers might see fewer options for cheaper games on Steam if developers are afraid of the game being removed. It could mean games cost more on Steam.
Q: What is Valve's response to these reports?
Valve has not officially commented on this specific incident, but previously Gabe Newell denied policies dictating third-party pricing on other platforms.
Q: What happens next for Rainbow Six Siege on Steam?
It is unclear if the game will remain on Steam or if Ubisoft will change its pricing strategy. More information is expected as the situation develops.