Do Steam refunds hurt devs?

On Steam, users can request a full refund for a game so long as they've only played it for less than two hours. As a result, developers behind smaller games are being negatively affected.

Did Steam refunds cause indie dev to leave?

The solo developer at Emika_Games has decided to leave the game industry because Steam users refunded the studio's game after completion. Emika_Games released its latest game, Summer Of '58, on Steam on July 21.

Is it OK to refund games on Steam?

You can request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam—for any reason. Maybe your PC doesn't meet the hardware requirements; maybe you bought a game by mistake; maybe you played the title for an hour and just didn't like it. It doesn't matter.

Is Steam generous with refunds?

Steam is pretty generous with returning games and issuing refunds, but there are a few limitations. To return a game, you must: Request a refund within 14 days of purchase. Have logged less than 2 hours of playtime in the game.

Who loses money when you refund on Steam?

Steam's system mostly benefits players, but also Steam itself. Although obvious, it's important to note that Steam's return costs are minimal (as they are for any other retailer of digital goods). For each refund, Valve simply loses its 20-30% revenue share (which will depend on the game's sales).

Steam's Two Hour Refund Policy Ruined This Developer

Can Steam refuse a refund?

It is worth noting that although Valve is pretty relaxed about Steam refunds you can still be denied a game refund request if the company suspects that you are abusing the system. So don't go requesting refunds constantly or trying to use the system to speedrun games and then ask for a refund.

What happens if you do too many refunds Steam?

Please note that approved refunds may take up to 7 days to process. Is there a limit to how many purchases I can request a refund for? You can submit any number of refund requests for eligible purchases. If it appears that you are abusing the refund system, we reserve the right to revoke access to this feature.

What counts as refund abuse?

What is refund abuse? Refund abuse (aka. returns abuse) occurs when a customer uses the returns policy of a merchant so much that it becomes unprofitable. Returns are a financial strain for many retailers, costing them on average nearly 60% of the item's original sales price.

What is the highest refund rate Steam?

The refund rate, which, according to Carless, averages 8-9%, can be as high as 20%. If yours is above average, you might want to dig into the refund comments that Steam requires users to leave, no matter how depressing those might be.

Is Steam refund 100%?

You can refund a game purchased on Steam if you request the refund within two weeks of purchase, and have played the game for less than two hours total. When your game is refunded, it will be removed from your Steam library, and you'll receive the full value of your purchase back.

Will Steam refund a game with 6 hours?

You need to submit the refund request within 14 days of purchase. Any purchased game can only have two hours of playtime on it. You can request refunds on in-game purchases or subscriptions, typically within 48 hours of purchase.

How do I convince Steam to refund?

Navigate to Steam Help (help.steampowered.com) and log in with your Steam account. Find the purchase you would like to refund and click on it. If your purchase is not listed, it falls too far outside of our refund window and is ineligible for a refund. Select the problem you are having with the product.

What is the average refund on Steam?

The average indie game on Steam usually has a refund rate of around 10-12%. For your first indie game on Steam, it's expected you'll have a refund rate of around 15-18%.

Is there a limit to Steam refund reddit?

No set limit. But if you are refunding multiple games a month and it is obvious you are abusing the system i.e. refunding the same game multiple times, they will suspend it for awhile.

What is the return rate on Steam?

Just to set a baseline here, we did an article on refund rates last year, and said that for a portfolio we had access to, “average monthly refund rate by unit across the portfolio ranged between 5% and 8%. Actual dollar refund rate varied between 6.5% and 11%.

Is it illegal to do refunds?

Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law. So don't assume a store will allow you to return an item if you change your mind.

Is it illegal to buy something with the intent to return it?

Returning an Item Due to Remorse

Because intent is present, it is entirely possible to prosecute a person for stealing an item they later return. The return is irrelevant to the charges. The person took the item on purpose and permanently, and that is all the prosecution needs to know to seek justice.

Did someone steal my refund?

Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system or speak with an IRS employee, or.

Does Steam give infinite refunds?

Is there a limit to how many games you can refund? No. You can request as many refunds as you want through Steam, but if Valve believes you're abusing the system, it can revoke your right to request future refunds.

How do I refund a game on Steam after 2 hours?

Why does Steam hold refunds?

It generally takes them an hour or two to issue the refund. If it is still pending, then they are considering you on a case-by-case basis as you've gone past the regular limits of 2 hours playtime or 14 days after purchase, and they must come to a conclusion based on the information you provided.

Can you refund 5 hours played on Steam?

If you haven't played a game for more than two hours and the purchase was made no more than 14 days ago, you can request a refund from Steam.

Can I return 2042 on Steam?

Steam Breaks own Rules for BF2042 Refunds

Normally, games can only be refunded on Steam if the purchase was made no more than 14 days ago and the game in question has not been played for more than 2 hours.

Can you refund battlefield?

You can make a refund request:

Within 24 hours after you first launch the game. Within 14 days from the day you bought it, if you have not launched the game.