Valvegate

Valvegate is a term used in online discourse to describe allegations and controversies surrounding Valve Corporation and its Steam platform. It is an informal label that has been applied by journalists, commentators, and members of gaming communities, and it does not refer to a single confirmed incident or official Valve designation.

The phrase is typically used to discuss a range of criticisms related to Steam and Valve’s business practices. Common topics associated with the term include debates over store policy changes, revenue splits, and the balance between developer autonomy and platform control; questions about transparency in moderation, user reviews, and enforcement actions; and concerns about market dominance and competition with third-party developers and publishers. Proponents of Valve’s approach often argue that changes are intended to improve security, user experience, and platform integrity, while critics view them as measures that can disadvantage smaller developers or consumers.

Because Valvegate is an informal label rather than a formal event, its meaning varies by source and context. Some users employ it as a general protest term for perceived anti-consumer or opaque practices, while others point to specific policy shifts or incidents to support their view. The term is largely restricted to online discussions, opinion pieces, and social media, rather than official Valve communications or widely recognized industry terminology.

See also: Valve Corporation, Steam, Steam Wallet and refunds, digital distribution controversies.