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Exploiting a previous loophole is no longer possible.
Image Credit: Valve
On April 24th, Valve revealed modifications to its refund policy on Steam, extending its scope to include games that have been pre-purchased and offer "Advanced Access". The update signifies that any playtime accumulated during an advanced access period will now be included in the playtime limit for refunds.
The revised refund policy on Steam reads:
“Today we have updated a portion of our Refund Policy regarding pre-purchased titles. This change covers titles that are in pre-purchase and offer 'Advanced Access'. Playtime acquired during the Advanced Access period will now count towards the Steam refund period."
This update marks a change from the previous policy where only the playtime accumulated after the "official release" of a game would be considered towards the two-hour limit for refunds on the platform.
Compared with Early Access, Advanced Access might be less known. The official definition reads:
"Advanced Access is a feature that allows users who have pre-purchased a game to play prior to the game's official release. For example, a 'deluxe' pre-purchase version may include Advanced Access."
The difference lies in the fact that "Advanced Access is not a unique model of development for a game [as with Early Access]; it's simply an opportunity to play a game before it fully releases on Steam."
Previously, users could potentially exploit a loophole by acquiring a game for advanced access, engaging in gameplay prior to its official launch, and subsequently seeking a refund upon the game's official release.
Check out the updated Steam Refunds policy here and don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.
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