Any legal disputes with Steam are governed by Washington State law and must be filed in courts in King County, Washington, regardless of where you live.
This analysis describes what Steam's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
If you need to take legal action against Valve outside of arbitration, you would generally need to do so in King County, Washington, which may be impractical for users in other states or countries.
Interpretive note: Enforceability of the venue clause against EU consumers is limited by EU private international law; practical application varies by jurisdiction and may depend on enforcement context.
The updated agreement no longer explicitly discloses that Steam Wallet funds held by Japanese users will expire six months after being added, or that expiration dates can be reviewed in the Steam Wallet. The removal of this disclosure eliminates the transparency mechanism previously available to Japanese subscribers regarding fund expiration timelines and monitoring options. Japanese law may still impose expiration requirements on stored funds regardless of contractual disclosure, but the agreement no longer notifies users of this expiration mechanism.
View change record →This establishes Washington State law and exclusive jurisdiction in King County courts, creating a geographic limitation that may disadvantage international or non-Washington users in disputes.
View full change record →The venue restriction requires non-US users and out-of-state US consumers to litigate in Washington State, which may be a significant practical barrier to pursuing legal claims.
How other platforms handle this
In the EU and EEA, the choice of Texas governing law shall not apply only where a mandatory consumer protection law explicitly prohibits such choice of law provisions.
For any claims that are not subject to arbitration...U.S. Residents: Delaware law; venue exclusively in the state or federal courts in New Castle County, Delaware
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California and the United States without regard to conflicts of laws provisions
"This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, excluding its conflicts of law rules. You expressly agree that exclusive jurisdiction for any claim or dispute with Valve or relating in any way to your use of Steam resides in the courts located in King County, Washington, and you further agree and expressly consent to the exercise of personal jurisdiction in the courts of the State of Washington in connection with any such dispute.Excerpt from Steam's Subscriber Agreement
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Choice of law and venue clauses are generally enforceable in US consumer contracts subject to state-specific unconscionability analysis and FAA preemption considerations.
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If you need to take legal action against Valve outside of arbitration, you would generally need to do so in King County, Washington, which may be impractical for users in other states or countries.
The venue restriction requires non-US users and out-of-state US consumers to litigate in Washington State, which may be a significant practical barrier to pursuing legal claims.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 267 platforms. See the full comparison.
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