Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam, recently made changes to its refund policy regarding games purchased before their release date. This update is aimed at closing a potential loophole that allowed players to play games for an extended period before requesting a refund.
Eight years ago, Valve introduced a no-questions-asked refund policy for games purchased on Steam. Players were eligible for a refund within 14 days of purchase as long as they had not played more than two hours of the game. However, the introduction of Valve’s “Early Access” and “Advanced Access” programs created an opportunity for players to exploit this policy by playing for many hours before requesting a refund.
Policy Changes
Valve’s updated refund policy now includes Advanced Access and Early Access playtime in the two-hour refund limit. This means that any playtime accrued during these programs will count towards the two-hour threshold for refunds. Additionally, the 14-day refund period will not begin until the game’s official release date.
These changes have significance for players who pre-purchase games on Steam. If a game is not playable before its release date, players can still request a refund at any time before the release date. Once the game is released, the standard 14-day/two-hour refund period will apply.
Valve’s decision to modify its refund policy reflects the company’s efforts to address potential loopholes and ensure fair treatment for all players on the platform. By incorporating Early and Advanced Access playtime into the refund limit, Valve aims to prevent abuse of the refund system and promote a more balanced gaming experience for all users.
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