As the world gets more and more digital, we have left behind the days of buying physical copies of the games we like. With the rise of platforms like Steam, almost every game purchase of a title is a digital copy, and while there are no particular downsides, you cannot just run into a store and ask for a refund in case something goes wrong.
Given that Steam has an established refund policy, you cannot simply refund anything and everything. The refund policy comes with a particular process and criteria that need to be followed if you would like the money back into your account.
The refund process is quite simple: “Help” -> “Steam Support” -> “Purchases” -> select the game -> “I’d like a refund”, but to know what games can be refunded is quite a task.
What is eligible for a refund
- It must be a game that you bought on Steam. If you purchased a game from a third-party website or another method, you are not eligible for a refund.
- Within 14 days following the purchase (or release for pre-purchase), you must submit your refund request.
- The maximum playing time for any bought game, including those in Early Access, is two hours.
- Refunds for memberships or in-game purchases can be requested, usually within 48 hours of the transaction. These reimbursements are given on an individual basis.
Suffice it to say that the policy is flexible enough to let you make an impulse purchase, but its forgiveness as a limit. In case you are willing to experiment with a Steam game, make sure to keep these in mind if your intention is to get a refund.