Valve's Steam service is the single biggest outlet for purchasing Windows-based PC games. Today, Valve introduced a new refund policy that should make it easier for Steam users to get their money back for games and software they no longer want.
Valve says it will issue refunds "for any reason" for games and software if a request is sent in within 14 days of the initial purchase and if the title has been played for less than two hours. The refund policy also extends to DLC packs for the most part, although Valve adds:
"Please note that in some cases, Steam will be unable to give refunds for some third party DLC (for example, if the DLC irreversibly levels up a game character). These exceptions will be clearly marked as nonrefundable on the Store page prior to purchase."
In-game purchases can also be refunded if the request is put in within 48 hours after they are bought but there will be some restrictions. Valve says:
"Third-party developers will have the option to enable refunds for in-game items on these terms. Steam will tell you at the time of purchase if the game developer has opted to offer refunds on the in-game item you are buying. Otherwise, in-game purchases in non-Valve games are not refundable through Steam."
Refund requests will also be honored within 14 days for all pre-purchased games and software on Steam, along with Steam Wallet funds and bundles. Any games not purchased on Steam, such as CD keys or Steam wallet cards sold via third-parties, are not eligible for refunds. That also goes for any movies or gifts. Finally, if a user is banned from playing a game on Steam, they cannot receive a refund on that game.
Source: Valve
