What Happens If I Refund a Game and Buy It Again?

So, you refunded that shiny new game, maybe because it didn’t quite live up to the hype, or your rig couldn’t handle the graphics, or you simply changed your mind. Now you’re having second thoughts and wondering what happens if you dive back in and repurchase the very same game. The answer, while seemingly straightforward, has nuances dependent on the platform you are using and its policies.

In essence, the ability to refund and rebuy is often allowed, however, platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation have specific rules to prevent refund abuse. If you rebuy a game after refunding it, you’ll be starting anew, but with some caveats. You’re subject to the platform’s playtime limits and refund windows. Your previous playtime will often still be tracked (especially on Steam) and will count towards your refund eligibility if you were to try and refund it again.

Most platforms have restrictions on the number of refunds you can process for a single game. As a general rule, you can only refund a game once. Buying it again doesn’t reset this rule. If you attempt to refund a rebought game, the platform will likely deny the request, or at least scrutinize it much more closely. The timeframe since the initial purchase also matters. Even if you haven’t exceeded the playtime limit (usually around 2 hours), if you’re outside the typical 14-day refund window, you’re likely out of luck.

Furthermore, the price will revert to whatever it is at the time of the repurchase. If you initially bought the game on sale and the sale has ended, you’ll have to pay the current, likely higher, price.

Therefore, while technically possible, refunding and rebuying a game is not a risk-free or unlimited exploit. It’s a feature designed for legitimate reasons, not a loophole for essentially demoing a game for an extended period. Abusing the refund system can lead to penalties, including losing refund privileges altogether.

Understanding Platform-Specific Policies

While the general principles apply across most platforms, each has its own specific rules and enforcement methods. Here’s a quick breakdown of some key players:

• Steam: Steam’s refund policy is among the most well-known. They generally allow refunds within 14 days of purchase and with less than 2 hours of playtime. Crucially, Steam tracks playtime across all instances of ownership. This means if you played 1.5 hours, refunded, rebought, and then played another 30 minutes, you’d likely be denied a second refund. Repeatedly refunding and rebuying games, even within the limits, can flag your account for abuse, potentially leading to a suspension of your refund privileges. You can find more information at the Games Learning Society, which highlights the positive aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org

• Xbox: Microsoft’s refund policy for Xbox games is stricter. While the general principles are the same (around 14 days and limited playtime), they also limit the number of digital refunds per account per year. Using your one refund on a game, then rebuying it leaves you without any refund for the remainder of the year.

• PlayStation: Sony, for PlayStation, also offers refunds within 14 days of purchase. The playtime limits are similar to Steam and Xbox, but the enforcement can be more variable. Like other platforms, excessive refund requests can raise red flags.

• Other Platforms (GOG, Epic Games Store, etc.): Each platform has its own set of rules. Always check the specific terms and conditions on their respective websites.

Potential Complications

Several things can complicate the process of refunding and rebuying a game. Here are a few:

• DLC and Bundles: If you refund a game that’s part of a bundle, or has downloadable content (DLC), the refund may affect your access to the entire bundle or the DLC. Be sure to understand the implications before proceeding.

• Account Flags: As mentioned earlier, repeatedly refunding games can flag your account for abuse. This might result in warnings or even the loss of your ability to request refunds in the future.

• Technical Issues: Sometimes, technical glitches can interfere with the refund or repurchase process. For example, a pending refund might block you from rebuying the game until the original transaction is fully processed.

Best Practices

To avoid problems when refunding and potentially rebuying a game, follow these best practices:

• Read the Fine Print: Always familiarize yourself with the specific refund policy of the platform you’re using.

• Act Quickly: If you’re unsure about a game, try to make a decision within the 14-day refund window.

• Monitor Playtime: Keep track of how long you’ve played a game. This will help you stay within the playtime limits.

• Be Honest: When requesting a refund, be honest about your reasons. Providing false information can damage your credibility.

• Avoid Abuse: Don’t repeatedly refund and rebuy games simply to “demo” them for longer than allowed.

• Consider Alternatives: Before refunding, consider alternatives such as adjusting graphics settings or seeking technical support to resolve any issues you might be experiencing.

FAQs: Refund and Rebuy Games

1. Can I rebuy a game immediately after refunding it?

Yes, in most cases, you can rebuy a game immediately after the refund process has started. However, sometimes a pending refund may temporarily block you from repurchasing the game until the initial transaction is fully processed.

2. Will my save data be preserved if I refund and rebuy a game?

This depends on the game and the platform. Some games store save data in the cloud, so your progress will be preserved. Others store save data locally, which may be deleted when you uninstall the game during the refund process. Check the game’s documentation or the platform’s support resources for information on save data management.

3. What if the game goes on sale shortly after I buy it?

Many platforms, like Steam, suggest refunding the game at the initial price and repurchasing it at the sale price, as they cannot refund the price difference.

4. Can I refund a game if I’ve pre-ordered it?

Most platforms allow refunds for pre-ordered games before they are released, and within the standard refund window after release, provided you meet the playtime requirements.

5. Can I refund a game that I received as a gift?

This depends on the platform. Generally, the person who purchased the gift must request the refund. The recipient may receive the refund as store credit.

6. Does refunding a game remove it from my library?

Yes, when you refund a game, it will be removed from your library. You will need to repurchase it to play it again.

7. What happens if my refund request is denied?

If your refund request is denied, you will retain access to the game and the money will not be refunded. You can sometimes appeal the decision, providing additional information or context.

8. Can I refund a game if I bought it with a gift card?

Yes, you can usually refund a game purchased with a gift card. The refund will typically be credited back to your account as store credit, which you can use for future purchases.

9. How long does it take for a refund to be processed?

The processing time for refunds varies by platform and payment method. It can typically take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the refund to be reflected in your account.

10. Can I refund a game if it has technical issues?

Yes, technical issues are a valid reason for requesting a refund, especially if the game is unplayable. Provide detailed information about the technical problems you are experiencing when submitting your refund request.

11. Does the region I live in affect my ability to refund games?

Refund policies can vary slightly depending on your region due to local laws and regulations. Check the platform’s terms and conditions for any region-specific rules.

12. Can I refund a game I bought as part of a promotional bundle?

Refunding a game from a bundle can be complex. Refunding the entire bundle might be the only option depending on the platform and the bundle’s terms.

13. What happens to in-game purchases if I refund the base game?

Any in-game purchases you made will typically be forfeited when you refund the base game. Some platforms may offer refunds for in-game purchases made within a short period, but this is not always guaranteed.

14. Can a community ban affect my ability to refund a game?

If you have been banned from a game’s community or multiplayer servers, it may affect your ability to refund the game, as it could be considered a violation of the terms of service.

15. How do I avoid getting flagged for refund abuse?

To avoid getting flagged for refund abuse, limit the number of refund requests you make, provide valid reasons for your refunds, and avoid refunding and rebuying games repeatedly. If you do follow those guidlines, you should be okay!

In conclusion, refunding and rebuying games is a possibility, but it is important to understand the specific policies of the platform you are using and to avoid abusing the system.