EU Fines Valve And Other Big-Name Publishers For Violating EU Antitrust Rules

The European Commission has fined several big-name video game companies for violating EU antitrust rules. The companies in question include Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Home Interactive, Koch Media, Valve, and ZeniMax Online Studios.

According to the Commission, the aforementioned companies’ geo-blocking practices and restrictions on cross-border sales within the European Economic Area were a clear violation of market regulations. They have been fined a combined total of €7.8 million or roughly $9.4 million.

“Today's sanctions against the ‘geo-blocking’ practices of Valve and five PC video game publishers serve as a reminder that under EU competition law, companies are prohibited from contractually restricting cross-border sales,” said Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager. “Such practices deprive European consumers of the benefits of the EU Digital Single Market and of the opportunity to shop around for the most suitable offer in the EU.”

Valve bore the brunt of the fines at €1.6 million when they refused to cooperate with the Commission which isn’t surprising considering the company’s reputation for playing hardball with government authorities.