Valve to block lawsuits from users

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Ivan the Space Biker's Personal Aid

Posts: 6,214

#1 Posted 01 August 2012 - 02:51 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen, you should be receiving a new steam update today. The update isn't software related, but does change your Steam Subscriber Agreement for using Valve's software and is unavoidable if you intend to play any of the games you purchased via Steam.

The agreement takes away your right to issue any class action law suit against Valve and leaves the resolution of any disputes in their hands. This appears to be in keeping with similar changes that larger corporations have sought to prevent class action that has cost them millions of dollars.

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Most significant to the new dispute resolution terms is that customers may now only bring individual claims, not class action claims. We considered this change very carefully. It's clear to us that in some situations, class actions have real benefits to customers. In far too many cases however, class actions don't provide any real benefit to users and instead impose unnecessary expense and delay, and are often designed to benefit the class action lawyers who craft and litigate these claims.

While one wonders what effects this could bring to legitimate disputes, Valve will attempt to resolve issues through an arbiter on an individual case, reimbursing users unless the court states that the claim is frivolous.

You can read it all here!

Do we trust in Gabe?

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Berrie

Poison Piealicious

Posts: 4,034

#2 Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:21 AM

Though most of us will likely never have to deal with such things, I don't think it's a good thing that it's no longer entirely possible.

I can see why they would want to do it, though.

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Free-Man

City 17 Civilian

Posts: 16

#3 Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:31 AM

Do We Trust Gabe?

NO....Period.

I trust ONE person in this world....ME.....

This should be unconstitutional.

Please note I do NOT have an account with steam,and never will...

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Brumisator

Hupsakee!

Posts: 20,592

#4 Posted 01 August 2012 - 08:20 AM

You know, I should be outraged...then again...I really can't bring myself to really care.

It had never even crossed my mind to sue Valve...I can't even think of a reason to sue them class-action style, so hey, whatever, life goes on.

A Vvaardenfell sunset

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AlterEgo

City 17 Civilian

Posts: 19

#5 Posted 01 August 2012 - 09:37 AM

Free-Man, on 31 July 2012 - 11:31 PM, said:

Do We Trust Gabe?

NO....Period.

I trust ONE person in this world....ME.....

This should be unconstitutional.

Please note I do NOT have an account with steam,and never will...

lol go pirate hl2 again please.

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City 17

Mr Macintosh

Posts: 15,882

#6 Posted 01 August 2012 - 12:16 PM

I trust valve more than most other companies, I just wish steam support was better so if I do have any complaint they can actually deal with it. Because right now steam support is pretty crappy and inconstant.

.....Don't click this link

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ssj3fox

Prowler

Posts: 734

#7 Posted 01 August 2012 - 01:35 PM

This was the part that cough my eye:

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We're also introducing a new dispute resolution process that will benefit you and Valve. Recently, a number of companies have created similar provisions which have generated lots of discussion from customers and communities, and we've been following these discussions closely. On Steam, whenever a customer is unhappy with any transaction, our first goal is to resolve things as quickly as possible through the normal customer support process. However in those instances in which we can't resolve a dispute, we've outlined a new required process whereby we agree to use arbitration or small claims court to resolve the dispute. In the arbitration process, Valve will reimburse your costs of the arbitration for claims under a certain amount. Reimbursement by Valve is provided regardless of the arbitrator's decision, provided that the arbitrator does not determine the claim to be frivolous or the costs unreasonable.

The fact that Valve will pay for the cost sounds interesting. I wonder if this is just limited to transactions. I know someone who may what to resolve a dispute about a stolen account... Also note that this does not block lawsuits... It just states that there is a new dispute resolution system that can be used if customer support fails. This system does not support "class action claims". The court system of your region is another story...

Just read the full terms:

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YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU AND VALVE ARE GIVING UP THE RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT AND TO HAVE A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY...

...YOU AND VALVE AGREE NOT TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION OR COLLECTIVE ARBITRATION, EVEN IF AAA�s PROCEDURES OR RULES WOULD OTHERWISE ALLOW ONE. THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD RELIEF ONLY IN FAVOR OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY SEEKING RELIEF AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF THAT PARTY�S INDIVIDUAL CLAIM.

There is a part that notes:

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This Section does not prevent you from bringing your dispute to the attention of any federal, state, or local government agencies that can, if the law allows, seek relief from us for you.

So you can't sue... and nor can Valve?

This post has been edited by ssj3fox: 01 August 2012 - 01:56 PM

"Now, if a unicorn can regenerate magic faster than the headcrab can suck...
We could have a super headcrab epidemic on our hands." -EatChildren

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