Now Loading...PSN Refunds: Should Sony Follow Microsoft?

With Microsoft now testing refunds for digital games on the Xbox One (and Windows 10), the PlayStation LifeStyle crew got to thinking: should Sony offer PSN refunds on digital games? Why or why not? And with that discussion, this week’s Now Loading kicks off!

While some might think the obvious answer is a pro-consumer “yes,” it’s not that cut and dry, and some staff members are quite opposed to it due to the negative side it might do to studios and games in general. Check the responses before grabbing the pitchforks alright, everyone?

What do you think? Should Sony offer PSN refunds soon? Should they not due to it being abused? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And remember, we’re discussing the pros and cons here, and not trying to pee in each others’ soup or anything.

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Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).

Now Loading...Will Sony Follow Xbox's Digital Games Refund Policy?

Now Loading...Will Sony Follow Xbox's Digital Games Refund Policy?
Mack Ashworth

@GamingWithMack

I don't think Sony needs to follow Microsoft on this, as the PlayStation 4 has a huge lead over the competition. However, if the Scorpio is a force to be reckoned with, perhaps Sony will make an effort to compete with this new refund policy.

I wouldn't use it much myself, unless a PSVR game launched without a decent demo to test it.
Chandler Wood

@FinchStrife

While I see a lot of good here for consumers, there are so many problems that I see with something like this as well. A lot of PSVR experiences are under that two hour mark. Would they still qualify? given that someone can basically just pay a deposit to play them? Maybe lock out trophies for the duration of the two hour "demo" period, not adding them to the account until after the refund period has passed. Steps need to be taken to prevent this from getting abused and gamed before Sony should implement it.

I also feel like this tends to create an irresponsible consumer who won't look before they leap. In some worst case scenarios, sure, it is necessary, but if you give an inch, they'll take a mile. Getting a refund should be a chore (not impossible, but should take real commitment) to avoid the system being abused. I don't go to a movie theater and get a money back guarantee if I walk out not liking it after the first half hour.

The real thing here is that more developers ought to offer betas, demos, free weekends, etc., like Dishonored 2 recently did, allowing you play either the start, or a small slice of the game, to feel if it is for you. And you know what, if it's not? Lesson learned. I've been scammed out of a grand before and didn't get it back. Did it suck? Sure, but it's a great life lesson and a moment I won't forget that makes me a better person for it.

In short, while this is a great bit of consumer protection, it may just set the bar in yet a different place where consumers find less and less value in art, demanding more and more for free in a time where developers are trying to figure out how to recoup increasing developer costs without increasing the cost of the base game to unaffordable prices.
Zarmena Khan

@Zarmena

I'm honestly not bothered. I do my research before buying games so I hardly ever feel like I was misled into buying something. I'd probably be one of those who won't even need to touch the feature, if it becomes one. However, I do think for games that don't have demos and don't have reviews until after launch, it's a good idea. Considering it a 2-hour demo.
Stephen Bitto

@SteveOneder

I hope not. Gamers' sense of entitlement is already out of control.
Alex Co

@excaliburps

I'm honestly not sure. As for the big question if Sony should, I'm mixed. Part of me thinks they should, but I can see this being abused by a ton of people, and that's where issues are sure to pop up.

Don't get me wrong, it's good if Sony does a refund policy for digital games, but some people will surely abuse this and in turn, equate to less income for deserving games and studios. And when a studio closes, these same people will complain how Sony (or insert third-party publisher here) sucks, etc.

What about super short games? How will they be protected? Especially PSVR titles? Lots of questions left unanswered which leads me to believe this won't be implemented anytime soon.

But you know people will bitch and will just see the consumer side and think Sony's evil for not doing this ASAP.