Steam Updates Refund Policy to Account for Pre-Launch Playtime

Valve has modified its Steam refund policy to include playtime accumulated during the pre-release phase when determining refund eligibility. According to a brief update on the Steam website, the adjustment applies to games available for pre-purchase with 'advanced access'. The policy now states: "Playtime earned during the Advanced Access phase is now included in the Steam refund timeframe." Prior to this change, users could request a refund if they had played a game for less than two hours after its official release. Now, any playtime during the pre-launch period will be counted towards the two-hour limit for games with early access or those purchased with advanced access. As outlined in the refund policy details, this change affects titles with advanced access - defined by Valve as a feature allowing pre-purchased games to be played before their official release - and Early Access titles, but does not apply to games in beta testing. The policy further clarifies: "For pre-purchased titles that are not playable before their release date, refunds can be requested at any time before the title's release. The standard 14-day, two-hour refund window will begin on the game's release date."