Microsoft to begin offering refunds on digital game purchases

Details have emerged, via an image posted on Reddit, of Microsoft’s plans to begin offering refunds on games bought digitally through the Xbox Live store. The service is due to be made available on both Xbox One and Windows 10.

Currently in alpha on the Xbox One Preview Program, the upcoming change of policy will allow users to obtain a full refund on any software used less than two hours and within 14 days of the purchase. What’s more, Microsoft are saving players the hassle of a long refund process by making the whole venture self-service.

In their statement to the Preview Program, Microsoft said the following:

“You’ve spoken; we’ve listened. In support of offering gamers the freedom of choice, we’re making changes to the Microsoft Store purchase experience by offering customers a simple way to instantly return digital products like games and apps through account.microsoft.com.”

Specific details of the plan have been collated, by Reddit user Chickern, and included below.

To request a self-service refund:

1. Navigate to account.microsoft.com and sign-in.
2. From the top menu bar, select Payment & billing > Order history.
3. Navigate to a purchased game or app, and select Request a refund.

Please note the below conditions for requesting a self-service refund:

• Games and apps are eligible for self-service refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have less than 2 hours of play time across all accounts.
• DLC, season passes, and add-ons are not eligible for self-service refunds.
• The game or app must be downloaded and launched before requesting a self-service refund.
• You must wait for at least 1 day after the game or app’s release before requesting a self-service refund.
• Certain Windows 10 apps may not be eligible for self-service refunds.
• Microsoft reserves the right to block access for users who abuse self-service refunds.

No date of the roll out of this new service has been announced, however it is assumed it won’t be too long before gamers can start getting their money back on regretful digital purchases!

Here’s to you, Phil Spencer.