Can You Return PC Games?
Yes, you can return PC games under certain conditions, such as within a specified refund window, typically 14 days of purchase, and if the game has been played for less than 2 hours. The return policy may vary depending on the game platform, such as Steam, Microsoft Store, or Google Play, and the type of game, with digital downloads usually having different refund rules than physical copies.
Understanding Refund Policies
Refund policies for PC games are designed to protect both the consumer and the game developer. Refund windows are usually limited to allow players to try out a game without fully committing to a purchase. To be eligible for a refund, players must ensure they meet the refund criteria, which often includes having less than a specified amount of playtime, typically 2 hours, and requesting the refund within the refund period, usually 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Return a Game to Game if I Opened It?
Any product, excluding gift vouchers and digital downloads, may be returned for a refund or exchange within 28 days of the purchase date, provided that the seal remains unbroken.
2. How Can I Return a Game I Bought Digitally?
Digital goods, like apps, games, add-on content, subscriptions, movies, TV shows, and books, aren’t returnable unless the offer for applicable law states that you’re eligible for a refund. You can request a refund on your Xbox order history page or Steam support page.
3. Is It OK to Refund Steam Games?
Yes, if you haven’t already requested a refund, make sure the purchase is eligible and submit a request. Approved refunds may take up to 7 days to process.
4. 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, but abusing the refund system may lead to restrictions on your account.
5. Can You Refund Windows Store Games?
Refunds at the Microsoft Store have clear conditions. To be eligible, you must ask for the refund within a certain period, like 14 days of purchase, and have a reasonable reason. Digital products can only be refunded if not used.
6. How Do I Get a Refund for a Game?
Explore refund request options on the platform where you purchased the game, such as Google Play or Steam, and follow the prompts to request a refund.
7. Can I Get a Refund from Game in Store?
Any product, excluding gift vouchers and digital downloads, may be returned for a refund or exchange within 28 days of the purchase date, provided that the seal remains unbroken.
8. Can I Refund Steam Games After 2 Hours?
You can’t get a refund if you’ve played the game for more than 2 hours. Purchased games can only have two hours of playtime on them to be eligible for a refund.
9. Why Would Steam Deny a Refund?
Purchases made significantly outside of the 14-day refund window are not eligible for a refund request. If your refund request was denied, you can contest the decision by submitting another request.
10. Will Steam Ever Reject a Refund?
Steam will almost never refuse a refund as long as it’s refunded into your Steam wallet, not your card, to avoid dealing with bank fees.
11. Will Microsoft Refund Digital Games?
Digital goods aren’t returnable unless the offer for applicable law states that you’re eligible for a refund. You can request a refund on your Xbox order history page.
12. Can You Return Downloadable Games?
As a limited exception, Digital Game Products may be eligible for a refund within 30 days if you’re unsatisfied with the license agreement or warranty, but only if you do not make or retain any copies.
13. How Do I Get a Refund from Microsoft?
You can request a return or exchange on your Microsoft account Order history page. Find the product, and if you see that a refund has been issued but the money hasn’t been credited back to your payment provider, wait a few days.
14. Can You Rebuy a Game After Refunding It?
You should still be able to purchase a game after refunding, but if the refund hasn’t been approved yet, it could affect the approval. You’ll pay the current store price if you rebuy the game.
15. How Long Can You Own a Game Till Refund?
Valve will, upon request, issue a refund for any title that is requested within 14 days of purchase and has been played for less than 2 hours. Approved refunds can take up to 7 days to process, and refunds to international payment methods may take longer.