Quote (Patryk1991 @ Aug 19 2013 10:00pm)
We know that feeling: the one where you sit down, wait for a new game to finish downloading and installing, start it for the first time, and want it to rock. The intro sucks you in, you press a button to shoot, jump, or talk for the first time, and then it's suddenly three a.m. We know that feeling, and the one afterwards of knowing that not only does a game rock, but that it was worth every dollar you spent on it.
We hope every game you play on Origin will meet this high bar, and we're happy to say that starting today, we can guarantee that we'll make things right if you decide the game you just bought didn’t live up to your expectations.
The new Origin Great Game Guarantee works like this: You may return EA full game downloads (PC or Mac) purchased on Origin for a full refund--within 24 hours after you first launch the game, within seven days from when you purchased it, or within the first seven days after the game's release date if you pre-ordered it (whichever of these conditions happens first).
If something doesn't work out—you aren’t riveted by the storyline, or sucked in by the action, or even just if the game doesn't play well with your video card—we’ve got your back.
Requesting a refund is quick and easy. Just visit your order history and click the “request a refund” link next to your recent purchase, answer a few quick questions, and we’ll take it from there.
For more details, you can check out the full Origin Great Game Guarantee policy details posted on Origin.com. The Origin Great Game Guarantee is effective as of today in 20 countries. Like the improved Origin Store, we are rolling out the program worldwide over the next few weeks, and everyone will be covered by the Origin Great Game Guarantee by the end of September.
What do you think? We’d welcome your feedback in the comments below.
https://www.origin.com/us/news/origin-great-game-guaranteeWow.
Might be one of the very few things they have over Steam. I guess they found a good place to compete. Ofc it's only EA games and you have to play it within the week of buying it, but still, it's more of a step in the right direction.
I mean, seriously, someone was complaining about Steam refunds in the newest (October 2013) issue of PC Gamer, and this was the comment and the response, verbatim:
Q: "Ever try to get a refund on Steam? You can't! They have a 'no refund' policy. Can you think of any other business in the world that could get away with such a thing?"
A: "Underwear?"
While it's true, it seems like the responder is scoffing at the fact that the reader/writer even has hopes of this changing, or being upset about it. I personally think it is quite a valid issue. While it may not affect me much, because I can't think of many games I've played (let alone purchased through Steam) that I want a refund for, I think that it is something that should be up for discussion.
I just hope nothing stupid happens, like people buy EA games, beat them in ~8 hours, return them, etc, exploiting the system.
Anyway:
It's blatantly obvious that EA is trying very hard to improve their company image to consumers. Most recently, the hugely successful Humble Origin Bundle (and now this refund policy) have been their methods. While it seems like a bit of a PR stunt and it hasn't changed my mind on the giant publisher, I don't mind PR stunts that are good for the consumer, and this most definitely is a welcome change.