What Happens if You Use a Steam Code for a Game You Already Own?
As a gamer, you might have found yourself in a situation where you’ve purchased a game multiple times, either accidentally or intentionally. In this case, you might be wondering what happens if you use a Steam code for a game you already own. In this article, we’ll explore the consequences of using a Steam code for a game you already possess.
Can You Gift Steam Games You Already Own?
One of the most important things to know is that you cannot gift Steam games you already own. When you purchase a game, it becomes associated with your Steam account, and attempting to gift it to someone else will result in an error message. This means that you cannot reuse or transfer a game you’ve already purchased to another Steam account.
Steam Game Codes: What They Are and How They Work
Steam game codes are product codes that can be redeemed via Steam. Once you enter the code, you’ll be prompted to download the game, and it will be added to your Steam library. However, if you try to use a Steam code for a game you already own, you’ll encounter a problem.
What Happens if You Use a Steam Code for a Game You Already Own?
When you try to use a Steam code for a game you already own, Steam will recognize that you already have the game in your library. In this case, you’ll receive an error message indicating that the code has already been used or you already own this game. This is because Steam checks your account for duplicate game purchases, and attempting to use a code for a game you already own will trigger this check.
Can You Refund a Steam Game You’ve Already Played for 5 Hours?
If you’ve purchased a game and tried it out for a few hours but decide it’s not for you, you might be wondering if you can get a refund. According to Steam’s refund policy, you can request a refund for a game you’ve played for less than 2 hours. However, if you’ve played a game for more than 2 hours, you might not be eligible for a refund.
Will Steam Refund a Game After 14 Days?
In some cases, Steam might refund a game after 14 days if you provide a valid reason for not requesting a refund earlier. For example, if your PC was broken and you couldn’t test the game during the 14-day refund period, you might be able to request a refund. However, this is not always the case, and it’s up to Steam’s discretion to determine whether to refund a game after the 14-day period has passed.
Refund Rate for Steam Games
The refund rate for Steam games is generally around 10-12% for indie games and 15-18% for your first game on Steam. However, these rates are not guaranteed, and the likelihood of getting a refund depends on various factors, including the game’s developer, the reason for requesting a refund, and Steam’s refund policy.
Consequences of Using a Steam Code for a Game You Already Own
Using a Steam code for a game you already own can have several consequences, including:
- Error message: You’ll receive an error message indicating that the code has already been used or you already own the game.
- No refund: You won’t be eligible for a refund if you’ve already played the game for more than 2 hours.
- Loss of trust: Using a Steam code for a game you already own might damage your trust with the game developer and Steam.
Best Practices for Steam Game Codes
To avoid any issues with Steam game codes, follow these best practices:
- Double-check your game library: Before redeeming a code, make sure you don’t already own the game.
- Read the game’s description: Ensure you’re purchasing the correct game by reading the game’s description and checking the system requirements.
- Check for updates: Make sure your Steam client and game are up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a Steam code for a game you already own can have significant consequences. You cannot gift or reuse a game you’ve already purchased, and attempting to do so will result in an error message. Refund rates for Steam games are generally around 10-12% for indie games and 15-18% for your first game on Steam, but this is not guaranteed. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can avoid any issues with Steam game codes and ensure a smooth gaming experience.