Are early access games considered preorders for refund purposes?

[Ralp]

I'm wondering, for early access games, if the "14 days after purchase" rule is the same one for preorders (only counts when it releases) or if its like a fully launched game should you want a refund.

[Tev]

I'd imagine for Early Access it's the same as a full game (14 days from purchase)

You get to play the game immediately unlike with pre-orders.

With pre-orders, you can't play the game until it's actually out; meaning the 14 days cooldown starts after the game is released.

[Raniets]

i would also like clarification on this as, as the guidelines they released dont say anything about early access.

[Tev]

Originally posted by ASGStmeeren:

i would also like clarification on this as, as the guidelines they released dont say anything about early access.

Which likely means they're treated the same as normal games.

Pre-order is this way because pre-ordered games can't be played until release.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Early Access is still treated as a playable game, so 14days/2hours gameplay rules.
Why would there be confusion about this?

Early Access is not a pre-order. While buying a game during EA period might result in it being cheaper earlier on, and allow gameplay right away; how is that the same as a Pre-Order.

[Ogami]

EA games count as normal games in the refund system. Its out, you can play it, its not a preorder.
As for the risks of EA games ( buggy, abondened, changing requirements), you get warned explicitly when you buy them that all those things may happen. So no, you cant refund EA games outside the 14 days, 2 hours playtime rules like every other released game.

[Satoru]

Not sure why this needs to be 'clarified'

http://store.steampowered.com/earlyaccessfaq/

Is this the same as pre-purchasing a game?

No. Early Access is a full purchase of a playable game. By purchasing, you gain immediate access to download and play the game in its current form and as it evolves. You keep access to the game, even if the game later moves from Early Access into fully released.

Is that clear enough?

[Raniets]

Originally posted by Satoru:

Not sure why this needs to be 'clarified'

because i was reading the refund FAQ and not the early access one :P
now thanks for the answer though :D