Steam’s recent update to its Refund Policy clarifies that playtime accumulated during pre-purchase and Advanced Access periods will now contribute to the 2-hour refund window. This means that if a game offers early access before its official release, the time spent playing during that period will be factored into the two-hour limit.
Previously, the 2-hour window only considered playtime after the game’s official release. However, with the growing trend of pre-release access and early versions, Steam has adjusted its policy to ensure that users have ample time to evaluate a game before committing to a purchase.
It’s important to note that this change doesn’t alter the overall two-hour refund window. Users will still have the same amount of time to decide whether a game meets their expectations. The primary difference is that they can now make this decision based on pre-release gameplay.
This update aligns with Steam’s commitment to providing a frictionless refund experience for its users. By considering pre-release playtime, it gives users a more comprehensive understanding of a game’s gameplay and allows them to make informed refund decisions earlier in the purchase process.
