Microsoft tests Steam-style refunds for Windows Store and Xbox One - robertsseents

Ian Paul the Apostle/PCWorld

Microsoft is taking the risk out of buying games and apps from the Windows Store. The company recently announced via the Xbox One Insider app that Insider testers butt now request refunds for whole number products, as first reported by VentureBeat.

The new-sprung policy substance citizenry can purchase an expensive game such as Gears of War 4 or Forza Horizon 3 knowing they can get their money plunk for if there are whatsoever problems. Some games have technical issues at found, for example, or fail to work on certain systems flat if that PC meets the game's technical requirements.

Microsoft representatives stressed to VentureBeat that this program is merely a essa at this stage, however, easy only to select Windows and Xbox Insiders.

Users must bespeak refunds through their Microsoft account at explanation.microsoft.com. Connected top of that they must meet a number of requirements, some of which resemble Steam's repay policies.

Similar to Steam, users must request a refund within 14 days of purchase and have less than two hours of play time across all their accounts. In addition, the game moldiness be downloaded and launched before requesting a refund. Presumably, Microsoft doesn't want to encourage masses to seek refunds due to buyer's compunction, though acquiring around the plunge requirement would be relatively simple for those who really need a repay.

Microsoft won't provide refunds for a game's DLC content, which Steam does under limited destiny. Temper passes and add-ons are also ineligible, and some apps won't be covered by Microsoft's newfound Windows Store come back policies. The society as wel warns that anyone who abuses the system Crataegus laevigata be blocked from using it.

The story behind the story: The launching of a return policy makes purchases on the Windows Store and Steam likewise chance-free. But it testament calm down cost a tramp to pull people away from Valve's popular storefront where gamers already have expansive game libraries. Microsoft's Play Anyplace program does give the Windows Store a unique advantage, but only to those gamers who play connected PCs and the Xbox One.

Another thing the Windows Store could do to encourage much gamer interest is to create gross revenue that are happening par with Steam's frequent discounts. Things are looking for up on that ending as the Windows Store recently launched a spring cut-rate sale with some games, such every bit Gears of War 4,on sales agreement for 50 percent cancelled the sticker price.

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Ian is an independent writer based in Sio who has never met a tech subject he didn't comparable. He mainly covers Windows, PC and gaming hardware, TV and music streaming services, elite networks, and browsers. When helium's not coating the tidings he's working connected how-to tips for PC users, or tuning his eGPU setup.