Paddle Paddle Paddle Developer Calls For Steam Refund Changes
The developer behind popular Steam hit, Paddle Paddle Paddle, has called for Steam to change its refund policies. The game has garnered extremely good reviews, racking up 87% Very Positive reviews but solo developer, Zoroarts, has said the game has a 21% refund rate due to the game’s short length and Steam’s policy allowing players to grab refunds if their play time is below two hours.
Paddle Paddle Paddle
Paddle Paddle Paddle is a co-op physics based game that challenges two friends to paddle a small boat down an obstacle filled river. It only costs $5 at full price, and is currently available with a 40% discount. As well as being cheap, it’s also a quick blast of a game. Most people take three to four hours to complete it, but speed runners and good gamers can complete it in under two.
And that time limit has caused problems for the game’s developer – solo dev, Zoroarts, real name Mateo Covic.
In a post on X, the developer said: “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…
“Thats over 55,000 Refunds btw…”
Steam’s refund policy means players have two weeks from purchase to claim a refund, as long as they have played the game less than two hours. In the case of Paddle Paddle Paddle, that means a lot of players have likely gone after refunds despite finishing and enjoying the game. At least considering the reviews of the game.
Covic went on to say Steam should at least consider adding the average completion time to the game page.
Will Steam Change?
Valve isn’t known for changings its policies due to dev pressure often, although it has happened, at least to some extent. Epic recently complained about the platform’s policy that demands games inform players of AI use in its development. While Valve didn’t get rid of the policy, they confirmed that developers do not need to disclose AI use during the development process.
