this post was submitted on 03 Jun 2026
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Had me in the first half, lost me here. Offering a decent service while everyone else shoots themselves in the face does not make it a monopoly.
Steam has 75% of the market share. Microsoft, which everyone points to as a monopoly, has around 65% of the market share for example. Steam meets the definition of a monopoly which is above 50% market share.
Not to mention being sued as a monopoly in several lawsuits and of course engaging in anti-competitive practices.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopoly
I see "exclusive" in the definition, I don't see "50% + 1".
I could sue you for running a monopoly. I won't be successful because it isn't true, but I could still bring it to a court. Charges being filled doesn't mean they are true. That's why this is a court case and not a judgment.
From the FTC
"Courts look at the firm's market share, but typically do not find monopoly power if the firm (or a group of firms acting in concert) has less than 50 percent of the sales of a particular product or service within a certain geographic area. Some courts have required much higher percentages. "
Obviously using a dictionary definition isn't what is used in a legal sense. This is kind of silly to point out honestly.
Not only does Steam have the market share it is also engaging in price fixing to maintain their market share. This is classic monopoly behavior.
At this point it is not even a question if Steam is a monopoly. The question is will a judge or government do something about it.
That also doesn't say anything over 50% is considered a monopoly. It just states it won't even be considered one if it's less than 50%.
Yeah, like that is a given. As I already stated, Steam is involved in price fixing. They have engaged in anti competitive behavior thus showing their monopoly power.
It is already conclusive they are a monopoly. If you can provide proof they are not then I will entertain you.
That is the opposite to how this works. I can't just say "It is already conclusive that you are a prostitute. If you can provide proof that your are not I will entertain you."
Yes, I can say that based upon the available evidence. I have studied enough about monopolies that I feel completely comfortable with saying Steam is a monopoly. I totally get you are in denial. That is okay.
I find it strange you would bring prostitution into this as an example. But, if you knew I accepted money for sex like we know Steam has engaged in anti competitive practice while controlling the majority of the market then I guess it would be safe to call me one. Cheers!
Well, if some rando on the internet has Done Their Research then that's good enough for me! I am convinced!
Thanks! Glad I could help you through this difficult time.