The developer behind the indie hit Paddle Paddle Paddle has brought renewed attention to Steam's refund policy, a system that, while generally beneficial to players, presents significant challenges for developers of shorter games. Despite the game boasting a "very positive" review score, a substantial number of refunds have prompted the developer to voice frustration with Valve's approach.
Paddle Paddle Paddle, a co-op friendslop game, has garnered over 1,300 reviews on Steam, with a majority expressing positive sentiment. The game is priced at $4.99, often on sale for $2.99. However, the developer, Mateo, revealed that the game has been refunded 55,000 times. He shared a screenshot of a review from a player who enjoyed the game for about an hour and a half but still opted for a refund, indicating the core issue lies with the duration of the gameplay and the refund policy's limitations for such titles.
Mateo directed a comment towards Valve, stating, "Would be cool if you could finally do something about your refund policy... Got dozens of reviews like that and 21% refund rate even though the Reviews are 90% very positive..." This sentiment underscores a common grievance among indie developers who feel Valve's policy, which allows refunds for any reason within two weeks of purchase and under two hours of playtime, does not adequately account for games designed to be short experiences.
This situation has sparked a wider discussion about Valve's return policies, with many developers agreeing that a system accommodating shorter games is necessary. Conversely, some players, who benefit most directly from the policy, do not share this view. One of Paddle Paddle Paddle's top-rated reviews, for instance, criticizes the game for lacking content and appearing rushed, while also taking issue with the developer's public complaints about refunds, labeling it as the act of someone "trying to sell a browser game to you."
Estimates suggest that Paddle Paddle Paddle has a median playtime of under two hours. The game has reportedly generated around $826,000 in gross revenue before platform fees and chargebacks. After accounting for refunds, taxes, and Valve's cut, the developer's net earnings are estimated to be approximately $250,000. For Mateo, who developed the game in under two weeks and does not create games full-time, these figures represent significant success, for which he has expressed gratitude.
The developer has clarified that he supports Valve's refund policy in the broader context of game development but finds the high refund rate for his own short-form game disheartening, particularly when it includes players who express enjoyment. The developer has since expressed regret over making the public post, fearing it might portray him as ungrateful for his game's success.