Microsoft class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiffs Max Rockman and Randall Moring filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.
- Why: Rockman and Moring claim Microsoft conspired with Valve Corp. to fix prices for personal computer (PC) games.
- Where: The Microsoft class action lawsuit was filed in Washington federal court.
Microsoft is facing a new class action lawsuit alleging it conspired with Valve, a video game developer, to fix prices for personal computer games.
Plaintiffs Max Rockman and Randall Moring filed the class action complaint against Microsoft on May 31 in Washington federal court, alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws.
The lawsuit claims that Microsoft and Valve, the owner of the Steam PC game store, entered into agreements to match prices of PC games sold on their competing platforms.
These agreements allegedly eliminated price competition and allowed both companies to maintain high prices for PC games.
The Microsoft class action lawsuit alleges that both companies have been adhering to this price-fixing agreement since 2011, resulting in inflated prices for PC games and reduced game quality and choice for consumers.
The plaintiffs argue that Microsoft, despite having the resources to compete with Steam, chose to join Valve’s cartel, depriving consumers of the benefits of competition, such as lower prices and unique content.
Microsoft, Valve control 80% of PC game distribution market, plaintiffs claim
The class action lawsuit claims that Microsoft and Valve together control at least 80% of the PC game distribution market in the United States, giving them significant power over the industry.
The plaintiffs claim that Microsoft’s agreements with Valve not only prevented competition on price but also on game quality and content, establishing uniformity across the market.
The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of consumers who purchased PC games through the Microsoft Store or Steam on or after March 25, 2011.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, including treble damages, and an injunction prohibiting Microsoft from entering into or maintaining any price-fixing agreement with Valve or any other entity involved in the market for PC game distribution.
The lawsuit also seeks a declaration that Microsoft’s price-fixing agreements with Valve violate federal and state antitrust laws.
Earlier this year, five Illinois residents sued Microsoft for allegedly collecting and analyzing voice data from Teams without providing required notice under Illinois law.
What do you think of the allegations made in this Microsoft class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Yue Serena Yang of Morrow Ni LLP and Will Bucher of Bucher Law PLLC.
The Microsoft class action lawsuit is Rockman, et al. v. Microsoft Corp., Case No. 2:26-cv-01876, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
- Spectrum class action alleges over 40M customer records exposed in data breach
- Walmart sued over allegations it kept tariff refunds as profits
- Toyota recalls more than 43K Tundra trucks due to engine debris risk
- Ram ProMaster class action alleges Stellantis sold ‘9-speed’ vans with only seven usable gears
