Steam has banned refunds for long periods of play in paid early access. Valve has closed a loophole in the rules

Paid early access is gaining momentum and Valve understands the community. The rules of the game are changing on Steam

In recent years, the idea of ​​paid early access has become increasingly popular, when those who pre-order an expensive edition receive access several days earlier than the “full” release date. This allows you to break into the desired game before others.

However, in the case of Steam there was a piquant nuance. In the Valve service, you can issue a refund for a game if you don’t spend very much time in it, but this did not apply to the period of paid early access (during which time was not taken into account) – a motivated gamer could pre-order, complete the game in its entirety and then return it money.

In 2024, Valve decided to update the Steam rules to close this loophole (Valve calls these games “enhanced access”):

“Today we updated our refund policy for pre-order items. The change applies to games that are available for pre-order and include Advanced Access. The time spent in the game during the extended access period will be taken into account when processing a refund request.T”.

Question: “Can I get a refund for an Advanced Access game after I play it?»

Valve’s response:

“Advanced Access games are subject to our standard refund policy.

If you pre-order an Extended Access edition on Steam, you can request a refund at any time before the Extended Access start date. You will also have a standard 14 day period to request a refund, starting on the day the game is released.“

Steam standard refund policy:

“The ability to return products within two weeks after purchase, in which you spent less than two hoursapplies to games and software on the Steam store.”

Valve also noted that Steam users can write a review during paid early access:

“Yes, you will be able to post a review of a game you played as part of Advanced Access, just like you would if you had the regular edition.“

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Cover by Bethesda Game Studios. Image source: steamcommunity.com