The VZBV is suing Valve.
The Federation of German Consumer Organization (VZBV), a non-governmental, umbrella organization for 41 German consumer groups, is suing Valve over the Steam EULA, which prevents customers from reselling digital games.
Essentially, VZBV's issue with Valve is the fact that Steam ties keys to users, meaning users only partially own their games. "If I pay the full price for a game, then why am I not allowed to do with it what I want?" stated VZBV project manager Carola Elbright.
The VZBV warned Valve back in September and was asked to change the company's policy. Valve ignored the warning, hence why the VZBV is now taking legal action against the developer.
Valve, which apparently has yet to receive notice of the complaint, seems rather unconcerned. "[W]e understand the complaint is somehow regarding the transferability of Steam accounts, despite the fact that this issue has already been ruled upon favorably to Valve in a prior case between Valve and the VZBV by the German supreme court. For now, we are continuing to extend the Steam services to gamers in Germany and around the world," stated Valve director of marketing Doug Lombardi.
In general, steam doesn't want it's users competing with steam on the service of selling games. Why would you pay steam's price for a game when another steam user is selling their copy for $5 less?
The ONLY people in the gaming community that are happy about used game sales are consumers. Publishers & distributors like Steam don't like it because they don't get a "cut". If it were up to them, you'd have to pay even just to watch someone else play the game.
I guess this is sort of contrary to the console direction. You can sell games now, but your friend may have to buy an activation key to play the game on xbox live, or ps network. In the future I have the feeling games will be tied to you xbox "next" ID.
In general, steam doesn't want it's users competing with steam on the service of selling games. Why would you pay steam's price for a game when another steam user is selling their copy for $5 less?
The ONLY people in the gaming community that are happy about used game sales are consumers. Publishers & distributors like Steam don't like it because they don't get a "cut". If it were up to them, you'd have to pay even just to watch someone else play the game.