Can you refund a pre-ordered game after release?

Can You Refund a Pre-Ordered Game After Release?

Pre-ordering a game can be an exciting experience, but what happens if you change your mind after the game has been released? Can you still refund your pre-order? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with a comprehensive guide on refund policies for pre-ordered games.

Direct Answer

Yes, it is possible to refund a pre-ordered game after release. However, the refund policy varies depending on the game store, platform, and the amount of playtime you have accumulated. Generally, you can request a refund within a certain timeframe, usually within 14 days of purchase, if you haven’t played the game extensively.

Pre-Order Refund Policy

Here’s a breakdown of the refund policies for popular game stores:

• Steam: You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you haven’t played the game extensively.
• PlayStation Store: You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you haven’t played the game extensively.
• Xbox Store: You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you haven’t played the game extensively.
• Game.co.za: You can request a refund within 7 days of purchase if you haven’t played the game extensively.

Refund Criteria

To be eligible for a refund, your request must meet the following criteria:

• Timing: Your request must be made within the specified timeframe (usually 14 days).
• Playtime: You must not have accumulated significant playtime.
• Reason: Your reason for requesting a refund must be valid (e.g., the game did not meet your expectations, you lost interest, etc.).

How to Request a Refund

If you decide to request a refund, here’s how to do it:

1. Sign in to your account on the game store.
2. Go to the "Account" or "Purchase History" section.
3. Find the pre-ordered game and click on it.
4. Select the "Refund" or "Return" option.
5. Provide a valid reason for requesting a refund.
6. Wait for the refund to be processed.

Important Notes

• Pre-authorization holds: Some game stores may put a pre-authorization hold on your account when you pre-order a game. This hold may be removed once the game is released and the transaction is completed.
• Refund processing time: Refunds may take up to 7-10 business days to process, depending on the game store.
• Refund amount: The refund amount may be the full purchase price or a prorated amount, depending on the game store’s refund policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to refund a pre-ordered game after release, but the refund policy varies depending on the game store and platform. Be sure to review the refund criteria and process before requesting a refund. Remember to provide a valid reason for requesting a refund and be patient as the refund may take up to 7-10 business days to process.

Additional Resources

For more information on refund policies and procedures, please refer to the following resources:

• Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/refunds/
• PlayStation Store: https://support.playstation.com/hc/en-us/articles/203784550-Games-Digital-Game-Refund-Policy
• Xbox Store: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-account/buy-games/refund-a-game
• Game.co.za: https://support.game.co.za/hc/en-us/articles/202792930-Refunds