Return of funds to Steam. When can I return money?

We often make mistakes. We mistakenly switched over the wrong link, by mistake downloaded the wrong file. Without realizing the consequences, something was removed. And we make purchases unconsciously. That in real life, that in the digital environment this happens, especially in electronic stores like Steam. You already went to Steam, found a suitable game, paid for it, and it did not work on your computer. Is it offensive? Highly. In the studio Valve understand everything and so went to meet users. One day all registered players found in the service a new feature - the return of funds to Steam for the game. Gabe Newell (the creator of Steam) and the team decided to return money to anyone who wants and meets a number of simple requirements.

In this material, we will consider all possible options for a return, which conditions must be met. What can you do, and what not. Where and how your blood will return. And, in fact, how to do this operation after all.

Basic return conditions

The return of money can be carried out in two ways: with the detailed application of the user and in a semi-automatic mode.

It starts with three conditions on which automatic refunds are made.

1. The game must be purchased no later than the last 14 days.
2. You must spend less than two hours playing time in the game.
3. The game must be purchased by you.

If all three conditions are met, then you can apply and with 100% probability will approve it, and money in the shortest possible time will return to one of the accounts.

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 bought-by-mistake games, but a number of projects do not support this function. About this fact, each user is notified in advance, even when buying the corresponding game, so you need to be careful already at this 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 objects in it that can not be returned. This will be notified to the user in advance, even before the purchase of the kit.

Reasons for return

The reason can be either. Did not like the graphic component, low frame rate, clouding of the mind or a simple desire to spend money in a different direction. Is it worth explaining to the technical support staff? No. If all the basic requirements are met, then explain why you are trying to return the game, it is not necessary.

Arguments will be needed if one of the requirements (game time or purchase time) is not met. For example, you bought the game more than two weeks ago, but spent about 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 you did not have time to evaluate it or judged it badly. In such situations, you can apply and ask for a refund, but it can not be guaranteed. Nevertheless, the demand for money will not be taken, and your diplomacy skills will probably help you and help you get your money back.

Steam codes and digital keys

When trying to return funds spent on Steam, it is worth noting 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 such a case, no return is possible under any conditions, since the transaction was conducted using a third-party payment system, so you should talk about the return of the goods with the store that provided the game or payment code.

Blocking cheats

In the game service Steam provides proprietary protection against those who use cheat codes or errors in the game to gain an advantage over other players. A security 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 security system recognized you as a "cheater", then, no matter how much time you spent in the game and when it was bought, you will not be able to return the funds for it. This is another method of combating intruders and dishonest players - very effective.

Abuse of the return system

Good things come in small packages. Support staff will not stand by you if you find any suspicious activity on your part. This also applies to too frequent requests for a refund. Valve warns that this system is designed to save customers from all sorts of risks (low-quality game or non-working), and not for people to turn games into a kind of two-hour demo versions and use it on an ongoing basis. An exception to this rule is an early sale. That is, if you bought the game, and half an hour later you learned that the sale will start, and it will cost twice as cheap, then the game can be returned without a twinge of conscience, tech support will not ask unnecessary questions and satisfy your request for a return of Steam funds.

Return of the given games

Some games and content on Steam can be donated. Depending on the status of gift activation, there are two ways to return money for it. If the gift has not yet been activated by the recipient, then the donor can send a request to the technical support service and demand money back, but only within two weeks from the date of purchase. If the gift was activated, then the request for a refund should be made by the person who received the gift, with the same conditions. The money for the refund will be returned to the account of the person who bought the game or the addition to it, that is, to the sender's account.

Refund 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 easily returns money for purchased items in their games (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 in-game currency, then most likely you'll have to say goodbye to it. If you bought the hats in Team Fortress 2 or reinforcements in Dota 2, then you have two weeks to fix the situation.

Return of other content and equipment

In addition to games, Steam sells programs, video content, as well as equipment developed by engineers Valve.

With video and programs, the situation is unique - you can not return money for them. But if the video was bundled with a game that you can return to the store, you will receive the full amount, without deduction for the video content that was bundled with the game.

The equipment can be returned within a month from the date of purchase. Goods must be sent back no later than two weeks after the request for a refund has been issued. For the same period on your account will be returned all the money spent, including transportation costs. Nevertheless, the user is responsible for the goods and must compensate for any damage. If the money does not return to your account within the specified period, you are entitled to request an increase in the amount of compensation.

Instructions for refunds

To get started, you need an installed Steam client or a Steam support website. Activation of the request for a refund is made through the menu "Help on Steam".

It is necessary to fill in the fields "Username" and "Password" with your data. Once you are 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, a trading floor.
• Functions Steam.
• Login to the Steam Support account.

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 including time spent in the game and the date of purchase will appear, as well as 4 additional options for requesting technical support and return:

• Bought by mistake.
• The goods did not live up to expectations.
• Problem with payment.
• Problems with the gameplay or those. A problem.

The first option for those who bought the wrong game, having confused the title or cover. The second - for those who played less than two hours and who did not like the game. The third one is for those who have twice taken payment or have problems with it. The fourth for those who do not work or work badly (here they can help solve problems instead of returning money). If you plan to return money, you must select the first or second item and click the button "Send request".

Where and how will the money be returned?

After sending the request to the email address attached to the Steam account, you will receive an email confirming the operation. In 7 days money will be returned. Depending on the chosen method of payment, the money will be returned either to the user's Steam account or to the bank account. If suddenly the price of the purchased object has grown or fallen, the amount will be returned to the account equal to that which was spent, and not changed. It is worth remembering: the return of funds to Steam on the card is carried out, and on the payment systems - no. If you use WebMoney or "Yandex.Money", then be prepared for the fact that there money will not fall. Faced with this situation, many are wondering: "How can I cancel the refund on Steam?". The answer is no. The procedure is irreversible. This is legal and there is no point in arguing with the support staff. In this case, you can only return funds to Steam.

The money did not come?

To panic early. Valve - not a company that will spoil your reputation in order to benefit from you. If your credit card is OK, and more than a week has passed since the request was sent, you need to contact the technical support again, describing the situation in detail. If there was an error on the Valve side, then the money will be returned to you in any case, possibly later.