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Indie Dev Says Game Refunded 55,000 Times Via Steam Loophole
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Solo developer Zoroarts' game Paddle Paddle Paddle has sold 270,000 copies on Steam in its first year but faced a 21% refund rate due to Steam’s policy allowing refunds within two hours of playtime, impacting revenue significantly.
- The game, priced at $5 (often discounted to $3), can be completed in under two hours by speedrunners, leading to 55,000 refunds despite overwhelmingly positive reviews (89% positive).
- Zoroarts supports Steam’s refund policy for problematic games but highlights its drawbacks for short games, suggesting that expected playtimes be displayed and that games under two hours not be refundable for that reason.
- After fees, taxes, and refunds, the developer earned roughly $250,000 from gross revenue of $826,000, noting that many players who enjoyed the game still chose to refund it, which felt discouraging.
- Despite the challenges, Zoroarts considers the experience overwhelmingly positive, with critical recognition and financial success, while advocating for a nuanced approach to refunds rather than removal of the policy.
