Steam’s “no questions asked” refund policy makes it “super easy for players to abuse this rule”, says indie developer
An indie developer has voiced frustration with Steam’s refund policy after experiencing approximately 55,000 refunds for their game, Paddle Paddle Paddle. The platform allows players to request refunds within two weeks if they’ve played for less than two hours—a consumer protection measure that developer Mateo Covic argues creates opportunities for systematic abuse.
Despite the game maintaining 90% positive reviews, Covic expressed concern that the system enables players to receive refunds while still leaving positive ratings, representing a contradiction that suggests potential exploitation. He told GamesRadar+ that the policy “just makes it super easy for players to abuse this rule.”
Covic’s comments on Twitter prompted criticism that he opposed player refunds entirely, prompting him to clarify his position: “People think that I’m an asshole now and want to remove the refund policy but that was never my intention.” His complaint targets the mechanics that enable the behavior rather than the existence of consumer protections.
The situation highlights a tension inherent in Steam’s approach—while the two-hour, two-week window protects genuine consumer interests by allowing refunds for unsatisfactory purchases, it simultaneously creates loopholes for those willing to exploit it. Covic’s criticism raises broader questions about how platforms can balance robust consumer rights with developer protection, particularly for independent creators without large financial reserves to absorb significant refund volumes.