Steam Updates Refund Policy to Include Pre-Release Playtime

The revised policy now counts any gameplay during 'Advanced Access' towards the two-hour refund limit, addressing a widely exploited loophole.

Steam has amended its refund policy to include playtime from 'Advanced Access' periods in the two-hour refund window.
The update aims to prevent exploitation where gamers would play extensively pre-release and still claim a full refund.
'Advanced Access' is distinct from 'Early Access', focusing on pre-purchase play of completed games.
The new rule applies to all games offering pre-release play through bonuses such as deluxe editions.
Feedback from the gaming community has been mixed, with some praising the fairness and others concerned about the impact on game testing.