We often make mistakes. They mistakenly clicked on the wrong link, mistakenly downloaded the wrong file. Unaware of the consequences, they deleted something. And we make purchases unconsciously. In real life, in a digital environment, this happens, especially in electronic stores like Steam. So you have already logged on to Steam, found a suitable game, paid for it, but it did not work on your computer. Is it a shame? Highly. Valve Studios understands everything and therefore went to meet the users. One fine day, all registered players found a new feature in the service - a refund on Steam for the game. Gabe Newell (the creator of Steam) and the team decided to return the money to anyone who wishes and meets a number of simple requirements.
In this material we will consider all possible return options, which conditions must be met. What can and cannot be done. Where and how will your money return. And, actually, how to still crank up this operation.
Basic return conditions
Refunds can be made in two ways: with a detailed user request and in semi-automatic mode.
It’s worth starting with three conditions on which an automatic refund is made.
- The game must be purchased no later than the last 14 days.
- You must spend less than two hours of playing time in the game.
- The game must be purchased by you.
If all three conditions are met, then you can submit an application and with 100% probability it will be approved, and the money will be returned to one of the accounts as soon as possible.
What games can I return to the store?
Not all Steam games can be returned to the store and receive compensation. There are no specific divisions, and Valve is trying to get all developers to return money for low-quality or purchased by mistake games, but a number of projects do not support this function. Each user is informed about this fact in advance, even when buying the corresponding game, so you need to be careful already at that moment.
The user has the right to request funds for additional content purchased by him for the Steam game. When returning, the same conditions apply: the user must spend no more than two hours in the game, and additional content must be purchased no more than two weeks ago.
The user has the right to request money for a whole set of games, but only if there are no non-refundable objects in it. The user will be notified about this in advance, even before purchasing the kit.
Return Reasons
There can be any reason. I did not like the graphic component, the low frame rate, clouding of reason, or a simple desire to spend money in another direction. Is it worth it to technical support staff? Not. If all the basic requirements are met, then you don’t need to explain why you are trying to return the game.
Arguments will be needed if one of the requirements (game time or purchase time) is not met. For example, you bought a game more than two weeks ago, but spent 20 minutes in it because you do not have time for it. Or you just bought a game, went into it, and it stayed on for more than two hours, but at the same time you did not have time to evaluate it or rated it poorly. In such situations, you can apply and ask for a refund, but it cannot be guaranteed. Nevertheless, they will not take money for demand, and your diplomacy skills may play to your advantage and help return the money.
Steam Codes & Number Keys
When you try to return the funds spent on Steam, you should understand that this is not always possible. For example, if the content intended for Steam was purchased outside of it. This often happens when buying digital keys or games on physical media that are activated on Steam. In this case, a refund is not possible under any circumstances, since the transaction was carried out using a third-party payment system, accordingly, you should talk about the return of goods with the store that provided the game or payment code.
Cheater Lock
The Steam game service provides branded protection against those who use cheat codes or errors in the game to gain an advantage over other players. The protection system, also known as VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat), reads any interference with the game client and instantly blocks access to it. If during the game the protection system recognized you as a “cheater”, then no matter how much time you spent in the game and when you bought it, you will not be able to return funds for it. This is another method of dealing with intruders and dishonest players - very effective.
Return system abuse
Good things come in small packages. Technical support staff will not stand on ceremony with you if they detect any suspicious activity on your part. This also applies to over-frequent refund requests. Valve warned that this system is designed to save customers from all sorts of risks (poor-quality game or non-working), and not so that people turn the game into a kind of two-hour demo versions and use it on an ongoing basis. An exception to this rule is an ambulance. That is, if you purchased the game, and after half an hour learned that the sale will begin, and it will cost half as much, the game can be returned without a twinge of conscience, technical support will not ask unnecessary questions and will satisfy your request for a Steam refund.
Return of donated games
Some games and content on Steam may be donated. Depending on the activation status of the gift, there are two ways to return money for it. If the gift has not yet been activated by the recipient, the person who has the gift can send a request to the technical support of the service and demand the money back, but only within two weeks from the date of purchase. If the gift has been activated, then the request for a refund must be made by the person who received the gift, with the same conditions. Money for the return will be returned to the account of the one who bought the game or an addition to it, that is, to the account of the sender.
Refunds for the purchase of in-game currency
The situation with the return of funds for in-game currency and items is somewhat more complicated. Valve returns money for purchased items in their games without problems (these include Counter-Strike, Portal and Dota 2). Third-party developers, alas, do not support this practice, so if for some reason you spent the usual amount on an in-game currency, then most likely you will have to say goodbye to it. If you bought caps in Team Fortress 2 or powerups in Dota 2, then you have two weeks to fix the situation.
Returning other content and equipment
In addition to games, Steam sells programs, video content, as well as equipment developed by Valve engineers.
The situation with video and programs is unequivocal - money cannot be returned for them. But if the video was bundled with some game that you can return to the store, then you will receive the full amount, without deduction for the video content that was bundled with the game.
Equipment can be returned within a month from the date of purchase. Items must be sent back no later than two weeks after a refund request has been issued. For the same period, all funds spent, including transportation costs, will be returned to your account. Nevertheless, the user is responsible for the goods and is obliged to compensate for any damage. If the money does not return to your account within the specified period, you have the right to request an increase in the amount of compensation.
Refund Instructions
First, you need an installed Steam client or Steam tech support website. A refund request is activated through the Steam Help menu.
It is necessary to fill in the fields: “Username” and “Password” with your data. Once on the support site, you will find the last four games that are associated with your activity in the service, as well as 6 sections:
- Games, programs, etc.
- Purchase.
- My account;
- Exchange, gifts, items, trading platform.
- Steam features.
- Sign in to Steam Support.
To make a return, you must select the submenu "Games, programs, etc.". In the section are all the games with which the account interacted. You must select a game and click on its logo or name. All information will appear, including the time spent in the game and the date of purchase, as well as 4 additional options for requesting technical support and return:
- Purchased by mistake.
- The product did not live up to expectations.
- Problem with payment.
- Problems with the gameplay or those. malfunctions.
The first option for those who bought the wrong game, having mixed up the name or cover. The second is for those who played less than two hours and who did not like the game. The third is for those who have twice received payment or have problems with it. Fourth for those whose game does not work or does not work well (here they can help solve problems instead of refunding money). If you plan to return the money, you must select the first or second item and click the "Send request" button.
Where and how to return the money?
After sending a request to an email address attached to your Steam account, a confirmation email will be received. After 7 days, the money will be returned. Depending on the payment method chosen, the money will be refunded either to the Steam user account or to the bank account. If suddenly the price of the purchased object increased or fell, an amount equal to the one that was spent, not changed, will be returned to the account. It is worth remembering: the return of funds on Steam to the card is carried out, but to payment systems - not. If you use WebMoney or Yandex.Money, then be prepared for the fact that money will not get there. Faced with this situation, many are wondering: "How to cancel a refund on Steam?". The answer is no way. The procedure is irreversible. It’s legal and there is no point in swearing with tech support staff. In this case, only a refund on Steam is possible.
The money did not come?
It’s too early to panic. Valve is not a company that will begin to spoil its reputation in order to get profit from you. If everything is in order with your credit card, and more than a week has passed since the request was sent, then you need to contact technical support again, describing the situation in detail. If an error has occurred on the side of Valve, then the money will be returned to you in any case, possibly later.