The Performing Right Society (PRS), a major UK-based rights management organization, has officially launched legal action against Valve. The lawsuit alleges that Valve has been distributing video games and soundtracks on Steam containing music protected by PRS members without obtaining the necessary public performance licenses.
The Core of the Dispute: Licensing vs. Distribution
While game developers and publishers typically secure rights to use music within their titles, the PRS argues that this does not cover the act of digital distribution. According to the organization, Valve is “communicating these works to the public without a license” by hosting and facilitating the download or streaming of these games on the Steam platform.
Dan Gopal, Chief Commercial Officer at PRS for Music, emphasized the necessity of the legal challenge. “Legal proceedings are not a step we take lightly, but when a business’s actions undermine those principles, we have a duty to act. Great videogames rely on great soundtracks, and the songwriters and creators behind them deserve to have their contribution recognized and fairly valued,” Gopal stated.
Distinction Between Game Use and Platform Hosting
A spokesperson for the PRS clarified that the lawsuit encompasses any music found within games or standalone soundtracks that lacks a specific licensing agreement with Valve. The central argument is that even if a developer like Rockstar Games clears music rights for a title like Grand Theft Auto, that agreement is separate from the platform operator’s responsibility.
The PRS asserts that Valve performs a distinct, unauthorized act by making these works available for streaming or download. Because Valve operates the Steam store and manages the delivery of content to millions of users, the organization maintains that the platform plays a vital role in providing public access to the copyrighted music, thereby requiring its own licensing framework.
A Longstanding Licensing Standoff
The decision to pursue litigation follows what the PRS describes as years of attempts to engage Valve regarding the required licenses. The organization claims it has sought appropriate cooperation from the company for an extended period without success.
This legal hurdle adds to an already complicated regulatory environment for Valve in the United Kingdom. The company is currently facing a separate, massive lawsuit in the region—valued at approximately $900 million—which accuses the tech giant of overcharging consumers and abusing its dominant market position. The timing of this new action suggests a growing pressure on Valve to address its operational practices within the UK legal landscape.
