Is there any way to get a refund for a game bought from Steam?

Question

Is it possible?

If it is, do I have to have had some sort of technical problem or can I get a refund just because I didn't like it?

Answer 1

Not generally, per their agreement: "ALL STEAM FEES ARE PAYABLE IN ADVANCE AND ARE NOT REFUNDABLE IN WHOLE OR IN PART."

However, it is possible in special circumstances to cancel an order. I managed to undo a preorder of a game that went on sale the day after I preordered it. I contacted customer support, and since I didn't actually get the game yet (it wasn't out), they allowed me to cancel my preorder and reorder with the sale price. I don't recall whether my credit card had been charged for the initial order, however.

Answer 2

Steam is described as a "Service" in thier licence agreement etc. They hope this will allow them to avoid most online consumer laws in many countries that categorically state that you are allowed a refund in the case that a game does not work.

If you have a technical problem with a game, you can try to get a refund, but I have never tried it.

Answer 3

Steam may refund an entire order if you file a ticket on their tech support site. Note, however, they may require you to have a good reason.

The one time I wanted to cancel an order (when I purchased all 3 Borderlands expansions and then found out two of them include SecuROM), I opted not to cancel mine, because tech support informed me they would have to refund the entire order, and I had purchased some one day sale items on the same order.

Answer 4

Doesn't look like it. From the Steam wiki:

As with most software products, we will not offer refunds for purchases made online as outlined in the software license - please review Section 4 of the Steam Subscriber Agreement for more information. We can make an exception for pre-ordered games if the request is received prior to the release date.