EA Launches "Origin Great Game Guarantee" - Get Full Refunds on Digital Games

[Gahars]

Guys, guys, I know it's cool to hate on EA and Origin, but... but... well, Origin did something better than Valve. Much better.

"Surely you can't be serious?" you implore.

"I am serious," I reply. "And I'm not quoting Airplane."

EA have just launched "The Great Game Guarantee" initiative for its Origin digital distribution platform, which offers full refunds of any EA digital purchases for unsatisfied customers. From the F.A.Q: "The Great Game Guarantee allows you to return EA digital game downloads (PC/Mac) purchased on Origin for a full refund within 24 hours after you first launch the game, within seven days from your date of purchase or within seven days from the game's release date if you pre-purchased/pre-ordered, whichever comes first."

The Escapist

Meanwhile, at Valve HQ...

Now, there's a few caveats. For the time being, this policy only applies to EA titles, and refunds may be denied in the case of special promotions or if they detect abuse of the system (like people speeding through a game and then trying to return it before the 24 hour deadline, for example). The FAQ also states that they can change these policies at any time if they so choose.

Still, for a service that's often ridiculed in gaming services, it's quite a step forward. Steam, the top dog, has no comparable system (but there's trading cards and levels, so, uh... there's that). Couple this policy shift with their recent Humble Bundle, and it seems that EA may no longer be Literally Hitler™. Perhaps they have finally ascended to Figuratively Goering status.

Honestly, this is a great move from EA, and I'm glad to see they're getting serious about challenging Valve. I love Steam as much as the next guy, but it needs some competition, and if EA wants to step up to the plate (insert Gaben joke here), more power to them. At the end of the day, it's the consumers that win big here.

And geeks say all Origin stories suck.

 

[nukeboy95]

Well this was unexpected.

 

[ShadowSoldier]

Guys, guys, I know it's cool to hate on EA and Origin, but... but... well, Origin did something better than Valve. Much better.

"Surely you can't be serious?" you implore.

"I am serious," I reply. "And I'm not quoting Airplane."

R.I.P Leslie Nelson.

 

[tbgtbg]

Hope you don't have to spend more than 24hrs just getting a game to run.

 

[nukeboy95]

can you do this with code games?

 

[Joe88]

So people who already own sim city still can't return it...

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

BOOOOOOOOOO EA IS JUST TRYING TO PLOY YOU ALL INTO THINKING THEY'RE GOOD BUT THEIR NOT BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BOYCOT EA BOYCOT EA I'LL NEVER PLAY A GAME BY EA BOOOOOOOOOOO FUCK THEM BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

/retard.

 

[Ethevion]

BOOOOOOOOOO EA IS JUST TRYING TO PLOY YOU ALL INTO THINKING THEY'RE GOOD BUT THEIR NOT BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BOYCOT EA BOYCOT EA I'LL NEVER PLAY A GAME BY EA BOOOOOOOOOOO FUCK THEM BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

/retard.

Unless pirated or bought on the Humble Bundle

 

[McHaggis]

Despite any limitations or caveats, this is a great step forward for purchasing online games. I hope other companies will follow suit.

"I am serious," I reply. "And I'm not quoting Airplane."

Oh, the disappointment, I'm just glad my old avatar wasn't here to see this! Looks like I picked the week to quit drinking, smoking, sniffing glue and amphetamines.

 

[emigre]

Does this mean EA are now marginally better than the Nazis?

 

[Satangel]

Does this mean EA are now marginally better than the Nazis?

Well you obviously didn't read Gahars his excellent openings post!

Still, for a service that's often ridiculed in gaming services, it's quite a step forward. Steam, the top dog, has no comparable system (but there's trading cards and levels, so, uh... there's that). Couple this policy shift with their recent Humble Bundle, and it seems that EA may no longer be Literally Hitler™. Perhaps they have finally ascended to Figuratively Goering status.

I must say I lolled when I read that, especially the TM

 

[emigre]

Well you obviously didn't read Gahars his excellent openings post!


I must say I lolled when I read that, especially the TM

I'm at work. I need to be efficient.

 

[Satangel]

I'm at work. I need to be efficient.

Aha yes, the work you're underqualified for, no?

 

[Arras]

That's really Nice. While I probably wouldn't use it myself, it would be cool if Valve implemented something similar. (Nice with N cause autocorrect)

 

[Hells Malice]

Frankly I don't see the point. It's nice, yeah. But I see it not lasting. I'm sure people will find a way to exploit/abuse the system. Only reason you should even be getting a refund is if it doesn't run on your system, and even then you should be researching before a purchase if it will or not. Most of the time refunds are unnecessary. Plus its not like Steam WON'T give refunds. You can refund any pre-order with little to no hassle. I just sent support a message and they refunded my game next thing I knew. Plus they have an "Everybody gets one." system in place where you can generally refund any one game even if it doesn't fit their normal refund policies. Assuming you haven't clocked a lot of time on it.
EA is just making a bigger deal about their refund policy. It's nice to see EA do shit like this of course, but it still feels like ass kissing to me to make up for how much everyone hates them.

also
Origin has no gaemz

 

[LockeCole_101629]

now... now...

anyone willing to sacrifice themself?

 

[Taleweaver]

It's a good feature, I'll give 'em that. But I feel this is done more to comfort the countless disillusioned simcity fans than as a fan service.

 

[emigre]

Aha yes, the work you're underqualified for, no?

Hell yeah.

 

[ZAFDeltaForce]

Well that's a pleasant surprise especially if it's coming from EA