A short reflection on the sentencing of the Steam platform

It's a shattering news that's currently on the front page of all the video game websites. Through a legal action between the UFC-Que Choisir association and the famous Steam dematerialized gaming platform, the Paris Tribunal de Grande Instance rendered a judgment that serves as a strong symbol addressed to all consumers and players. Indeed, the latter declared that Valve, publisher and designer of the online platform, could not oppose the resale of copy even if the initial purchase is made by downloading. This decision, taken on September 17, follows a long process of more than four years and sets a precedent, since there is no law governing the sale of intangible property.

The UFC-Que Choisir congratulates itself on its victory for the benefit of the "gamers" who use the Steam video game platform. By its decision of 17 September 2019 (subject to appeal), the Paris Regional Court granted consumers the right to resell their games purchased via the platform published by Valve. After four years of battle, it is a real conquest of rights in the digital universe for gamers.

A victory, certainly, for the rights of consumers to be able to fully enjoy their possessions, but what is the real situation in practice ? We can only remember the failure that the auction house that Blizzard proposed in its Diablo III game at the time could have caused. And what about the items or cards obtained in online games ? Will this judgment extend to the content or will it only concern the game itself ? Nothing is yet clear, all this remains unclear. It goes without saying that a framework is necessary, with the help of laws and decrees, in order to make this decision viable and above all more comprehensive. So yes, I am relying on speculation, but we are entitled to fear the worst if no rules are specifically designated.

There is also cause for concern about the fate of independent developers. What will happen to the sustainability of these companies ? Because, it relies above all on dematerialized sales in order to generate revenues. If the second-hand market is becoming more widespread on online platforms, what will be the loss of revenue for these small studios ? Of course, I do not worry about the larger structures that will maintain a solid base of buyers, but I wonder if this decision will not have negative effects on the industry as a whole.

Under the guise of legislative progress, fears and uncertainties are on everyone's lips. Not surprisingly, Valve decided to appeal this court decision. We are therefore waiting to learn more about this subject and we hope that this legal battle will not harm the players in the video game industry but also consumers. Wait'n see, as they say !