Microsoft Begins Offering Self-Service Refunds on Digital Game Purchases

Discovered and revealed first on reddit, Microsoft has launched a new program, apparently available now to Alpha Insiders, offering refunds for digital game purchases on Xbox One and Windows 10, so long as the game was played for less than two hours and was purchased within 14 days of the request. The self-service refund process is extremely simple, and will allow users to get their money back on games that don't click for them. However, be careful how you use the system, as Microsoft "reserves the right to block access for users who abuse self-service refunds" - what this means for you achievement hunters: you won't be able to buy a game that you can complete quickly and ask for a refund. At least not often.

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Self-Service Refunds Now In Preview Alpha

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.

When a game or app leaves you wanting more, we're here to help. Self-service refunds on Xbox One and Windows 10 provide a quick, simple way of returning a digital product.

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.

Seems like a fair set of restrictions and should allow for gamers to be a little more adventurous in trying out new things, which seems great for the ID@Xbox program especially. What do you think?

Source: Xbox Achievements

 

Finally something that will help us out in the future.