Microsoft is trialling digital game refunds

Xbox One and Windows 10 gamers may soon get the option to refund digital purchases.

The functionality was first spotted by Xbox One alpha testers and posted to Reddit. It looks like it could operate in much the same way as Steam, where gamers can get a no questions asked refund on any purchase provided they have played for less than two hours or owned for under two weeks. EA Origin offers a similar service.

Self-Service Refunds: Now available on Xbox One and Windows 10,” the announcement reads. 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.”

The Xbox version will be an automated service, too, meaning that if you meet the criteria your purchase will be refunded without the need for human authorisation, and presumably instantly, too.

Steam still requires that refund requests are assessed. This does mean the process can take a few hours, but on the other hand it also means that sometimes gamers are able to get refunds even when their purchase falls outside of the normal criteria.

The Xbox program does exclude some items, such as DLC and Season Passes.

Microsoft has since confirmed the news:

We’re always looking for new ways to improve the customer experience and regularly release new features into the Insider Program to encourage and foster fan feedback, which helps us test and refine features before they reach general availability.

Earlier today, we enabled self-serve refund pilot testing for digital content via the Xbox and Windows Insider Programs and this testing is presently limited to select Insider members. Insiders can learn more about the criteria for claiming digital refunds via the Insider Hub.