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So I understand that the refund policy is mostly used for for example, if the game doesn't work.

The issue is, many games don't have free demos available. So let's say I wanna test out some game. I buy the game, play it for 2-3 hours or so and find that I don't like it. Not my cup of tea. Do I have a right to refund then?
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abdollah87: So I understand that the refund policy is mostly used for for example, if the game doesn't work.

The issue is, many games don't have free demos available. So let's say I wanna test out some game. I buy the game, play it for 2-3 hours or so and find that I don't like it. Not my cup of tea. Do I have a right to refund then?
Here's GOG's refund policy:
https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/360006129837-GOG-Voluntary-Refund-Policy


In general, they let you refund a game up to 30 days after a purchase, even if you played it. However, they ask users not to abuse the system, make informed purchases and they reserve rights to review and refuse refunds in some individual cases.
While very possible I don't think that that's a good idea. Usually you can return a game within 30 days and there will be no questions asked. You can also play a game as long as you wish to because there is no time-limit of 2 hours like Steam has it. If it's a one time thing, or you do it some months apart and keep other games you bought, no one will have a problem with this.

When you are asking for refunds within a very short amount of time, or if you have bought a bunch of games and now wish to return them all because you used them as a demo, GOG might get very suspicious and it may have negative consequences. Once there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse, they might not grant your request or even block you from filing one in the future.

The best method when there really is no demo is to watch Let's Plays and reading reviews and then decide whether you should spend money on it. You can also keep an eye out on Steam where usually there are demos for many games. During a demo festival or from the developer itself - both for a short time only so you have to be quick to get access to them. Doing this to be able to make an informed decision is of course no guarantee that you will like it. When that happens you can safely ask for a refund every once in a while.
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abdollah87: I buy the game, play it for 2-3 hours or so and find that I don't like it.
That's one of the reasons listed in the refund request form. That being said, I've seen people report that their refund requests were rejected, when "just a few hours" was enough to play most or the entire game. That's basically laid out in section 7 of the refund policy linked above.
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abdollah87: So I understand that the refund policy is mostly used for for example, if the game doesn't work.

The issue is, many games don't have free demos available. So let's say I wanna test out some game. I buy the game, play it for 2-3 hours or so and find that I don't like it. Not my cup of tea. Do I have a right to refund then?
Go use Steam and it's 2 hour max policy. It has a reason for not liking the game in its drop down list, but like any place I'm sure they'll catch on once you start abusing it.
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abdollah87: So I understand that the refund policy is mostly used for for example, if the game doesn't work.

The issue is, many games don't have free demos available. So let's say I wanna test out some game. I buy the game, play it for 2-3 hours or so and find that I don't like it. Not my cup of tea. Do I have a right to refund then?
Technically speaking, you have the right to ask for a refund within 30 days limit, but is no a guarantee that you will get a refund, maybe 1 or 2 times they will grated you in those cases that you don't like it, but a person is behind that, so if they notice that you are refounding games too frequently or the games are too shot and you already complete them, they can just say NO. Again, you have the right to ask, but the refound itself is a benefit.
The best way to treat a return policy is to first assume there is none. Then when you really need it use it responsibly.

Don't use it to "test" games. It's abusing the system - use due diligence and search online for potential problems and weigh the possibility you may not get a refund against buying it. Post questions in game specific forums, or on the GD at a last resort. TALK to other players.

Then purchase. And if you hit "unplayable" then ask nicely for a refund and explain yourself properly. If support wants to troubleshoot first, that's their decision.
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Mori_Yuki: While very possible I don't think that that's a good idea. Usually you can return a game within 30 days and there will be no questions asked. You can also play a game as long as you wish to because there is no time-limit of 2 hours like Steam has it. If it's a one time thing, or you do it some months apart and keep other games you bought, no one will have a problem with this.

When you are asking for refunds within a very short amount of time, or if you have bought a bunch of games and now wish to return them all because you used them as a demo, GOG might get very suspicious and it may have negative consequences. Once there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse, they might not grant your request or even block you from filing one in the future.

The best method when there really is no demo is to watch Let's Plays and reading reviews and then decide whether you should spend money on it. You can also keep an eye out on Steam where usually there are demos for many games. During a demo festival or from the developer itself - both for a short time only so you have to be quick to get access to them. Doing this to be able to make an informed decision is of course no guarantee that you will like it. When that happens you can safely ask for a refund every once in a while.
I agree, it's important to be mindful of how and when you request refunds for digital games. While some platforms like GOG have more lenient refund policies, repeatedly returning games shortly after purchase or abusing the system may lead to consequences.

To make informed purchasing decisions, it's a good idea to rely on Let's Plays, reviews, and demos when available. Steam often provides demos, and taking advantage of those opportunities can help you avoid unnecessary refunds. However, it's also important to understand that even with research, there's no guarantee you'll enjoy a game. In such cases, requesting a refund occasionally is a reasonable course of action.
Post edited September 06, 2023 by Romanmak02
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Braggadar: The best way to treat a return policy is to first assume there is none. Then when you really need it use it responsibly.

Don't use it to "test" games. It's abusing the system - use due diligence and search online for potential problems and weigh the possibility you may not get a refund against buying it. Post questions in game specific forums, or on the GD at a last resort. TALK to other players.

Then purchase. And if you hit "unplayable" then ask nicely for a refund and explain yourself properly. If support wants to troubleshoot first, that's their decision.
Absolutely, responsible and ethical use of return policies is crucial. It's wise to do thorough research, gather information from forums, and engage with other players before making a purchase. Reserve the use of return options for genuine issues, and when necessary, communicate clearly with support. Responsible consumer behavior benefits everyone involved.
Post edited December 12, 2023 by jasonmiller0
I can recall only three refunds for about 1200 games bought here so far. Spent back on games.
What is the point of those necro bots?