Steam has revised its game refund policy to close a loophole that allowed players to take advantage of the platform’s flexible return options. Previously, games purchased on Steam could be refunded within 14 days without providing a reason, as long as they had not been played for more than two hours. However, this has now changed…
Steam introduces two-hour limit for early access game refunds
Under the previous system, players could play early access games for hours before the official release and then refund them. Valve has made changes to its return policy to prevent this abuse. Now, Early Access and Advanced Access games can only be returned within 14 days if they have been played for less than two hours.
This policy applies even before the game’s official release date. If you’ve pre-purchased a game and haven’t played it, you can return it before its release. After the release date, you can refund the game within 14 days, as long as you haven’t played it for more than two hours.
This new policy reflects Steam’s effort to maintain flexibility in its return options while promoting fairness and honesty on the platform. The change in refund policies could alter how players view early access games and influence their purchasing decisions.
Valve’s modification requires players who purchase games in the early access and Advanced Access programs to consider the refund policies more carefully. Players should pay attention to the playtime before the game’s official release and ensure they don’t exceed the two-hour limit.
Steam’s new policy aims to manage the experience of game developers and players on the platform in a balanced way. Do you agree with this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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