Steam’s Revised Refund Policy for Advanced Access Games
Steam has implemented a modification to its refund policy, incorporating playtime during advanced access periods into the two-hour refund window. Previously, advanced access gameplay was excluded from the refund calculation.
This update aims to address the increasing prevalence of advanced access rollouts, where users can access games ahead of their official release. In the past, users could take advantage of advanced access playtime without it counting towards their refund eligibility.
According to Steam’s announcement, ‘playtime acquired during the advanced access period will now count towards the Steam refund period.’ This means that any playtime accumulated during advanced access will reduce the time available for a refund once the game is fully released.
The revised policy clarifies that ‘if you purchase a game that is in Early Access or Advanced Access, any playtime will count against the two-hour refund limit.’ This change ensures that users cannot accumulate extended playtime during advanced access and still qualify for a full refund after the game’s official release.
While policy changes often elicit negative reactions, this Steam update has been received positively by users. Many PC gamers have expressed agreement that the change is reasonable and fair. Some users have shared past experiences with Steam’s previous policy, highlighting instances where they had abused the refund system by playing games for extended periods before obtaining refunds.
The updated refund policy aims to prevent such abuses and level the playing field for all users. It ensures that advanced access playtime is treated equitably within the refund window, offering clarity and consistency in the refund process.
