I can think of only a few digitally-distributed PC games that I really, truly wish I could’ve returned, no questions asked, because they weren’t the right fit for me. (My technical issues and complaints run far deeper.) Progress has been made with refund policies, but there’s always room for improvement.
The DRM-free game distributor GOG has updated its refund policy to be more customer-centric, and even at a cursory glance, it’s impressive. Now, after submitting a request for a return, “you can get a full refund up to 30 days after purchasing a product, even if you downloaded, launched, and played it.”
Going a step further, under the new refund guidelines, “pre-orders can be refunded throughout their pre-order period (as in – until they get released), and for 30 days after their release date.”
Obviously, this trusting approach will be open to abuse – especially since there’s no DRM.
“It’s important for us to say that this update is possible thanks to your respect for all the time and hard work put into creating the games you buy on GOG.com and playing by the rules,” the store said.
There are “no limits” on refunds, but GOG is upfront about “monitoring the effects of the current update to make sure no one is using this policy to hurt the developers that put their time and heart into making great games.” Another (understandable) caveat: “We may refuse refunds in such individual cases.”
“We’d also let you know about any future adjustments in the voluntary Refund Policy in advance.”
I appreciate them for going above and beyond the bare minimum that many online stores offer.
Update to our voluntary Refund Policy [GOG]
Source: Destructoid GOG has a generous new 30-day refund policy on PC games