What happens if Steam removes a game I bought?
If Steam removes a game you bought, you will still be able to download, install, and launch it as normal, as the game will remain in your library. The removal of a game from the Steam store does not affect your ability to play it, but be aware that you won’t be able to redownload it if you delete it from your library without making a backup.
Understanding Steam’s Game Removal Policy
Steam’s policy on removing games from the store is clear: if a game is removed, it will no longer be available for purchase or download by new users, but existing owners will retain access to the game. This policy ensures that game owners are not negatively impacted by the removal of a game from the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens to my saved items and progress if Steam deletes a game?
If Steam deletes a game, your saved items and progress will be lost, so ensure you actually want to delete the game before doing so.
2. Can Steam remove purchased games from my library?
Yes, Steam can remove purchased games from your library, but you will need to confirm the removal by clicking the “I want to permanently remove this game from my account” button.
3. What happens if a Steam game goes on sale after I bought it?
If a Steam game goes on sale after you bought it, you won’t be able to get a refund for the price difference, but you can request a refund for the initial purchase and repurchase the game at the sale price.
4. Is my game purchase on Steam permanent?
Yes, any game you buy on Steam stays with your account forever, and you can download, install, and launch it at any time.
5. How do I permanently remove a game from my Steam library?
To permanently remove a game from your Steam library, click the “I want to permanently remove this game from my account” button and confirm the removal.
6. What are the costs associated with keeping a game on Steam?
Steam charges a fee of $100 for each game submitted on Steam Direct, which can be recouped once the game generates at least $1,000 in adjusted gross revenue.
7. How long do I own a Steam game?
Once you add a game to your Steam library, you will own it forever, even if you don’t download it.
8. Do I have to repurchase games on Steam if I refunded them?
If you refunded a game on Steam, you can repurchase it, but be aware that buying and refunding a single game multiple times may get your account flagged for abusing the refund policy.
9. Why did Steam delete my games?
Steam may remove games from your library if it cannot authenticate the user and their authorization to play a game not directly associated with their account.
10. Can I rebuy a game on Steam if I refunded it?
Yes, you can rebuy a game on Steam if you refunded it, as long as the time played across all owned time is less than 2 hours and it’s less than two weeks from the original purchase.
11. Is the Steam lawsuit real?
Yes, the Steam lawsuit is real, with a federal judge ruling that Valve’s claims were credible and that Steam gamers can claim compensation for Valve’s alleged monopoly.
12. Will Steam refund a game over 2 hours?
No, Steam will not refund a game if you’ve played it for more than 2 hours, as this exceeds the refund policy criteria.
13. What happens if you buy the same game twice on Steam?
If you try to buy the same game twice on Steam, the buy option will be replaced with “This Item is Already in Your Library, Play Now?”, preventing duplicate purchases.
14. How many games does the average Steam user own?
The average Steam user owns around 10 to 25 games, with many games remaining unplayed, according to surveys and SteamSpy data.
15. How hard is it to sell a game on Steam?
Selling a game on Steam is relatively straightforward, requiring a one-time fee of $100 and compliance with Steam’s Terms of Service, with the fee being recouped once the game generates $1,000 in adjusted gross revenue.