A new 3D platformer titled 'Refund This Game' has launched on Steam with a unique premise: beat the game within Valve's two-hour refund window and get your money back. The game challenges players to reach the summit of its psychedelic cyberspace environments by using a pole vaulting mechanic, with only one player-placed checkpoint available.
The developers describe the game on its Steam page as a "Getting Over It-like 3D platformer" where players "fling themselves up to the top" and can "stick their pole to walls, bend it and fling yourself with great speed." The core challenge is to achieve completion in under two hours to "EARN that refund."
This concept taps into a specific niche of challenging, often rage-inducing games that have become popular with streamers and content creators. The game also features leaderboards for players who choose not to seek a refund and an undisclosed secret endgame challenge that may require more than the allotted two hours.
The game's release comes amidst ongoing discussions within the indie development community about the impact of Steam's two-hour refund policy. Some developers have expressed frustration over players completing games within the refund window, leading to high refund rates despite positive user reviews. Valve's terms of service do mention an "abuse" clause for the refund policy, stating it's not intended for obtaining free games, but enforcement has been inconsistently observed.
'Refund This Game' currently holds a 'Positive' user review rating on Steam, though it has only recently launched. One user review noted that while the game is fun and challenging, players who enjoy it should consider not refunding it, especially given its reasonable price point.