EA agrees to amend Origin refunds policy in Australia

Customers of Origin in Australia could soon have similar refund rights as those in the EU.

Kotaku reports that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has told the publisher that its current refunds policy is at odds with consumer law. And EA has relented, agreeing to amend its policies.

Businesses such as EA selling digitally downloadable goods cannot avoid their responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law just because they are located outside of Australia,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said, in a statement.

It is a breach of the Australian Consumer Law for businesses to state that customers are not entitled to refunds under any circumstances. Where a product has a major failure, consumers can insist on a refund or replacement at their choice.”

Valve is also entangled in a dispute with the ACCC over similar issues.

In the EU Origin offers full refunds on digital purchases within seven days of purchase or 24 hours after the game is first launched. For games purchased within 30 days of release the period is extended to 72 hours for those who are unable to play the game due to a technical incompatibility.

Valve recently introduced a refund policy for Steam purchases in the EU, although its implementation is still being keenly disputed.