Short & Sweet: Indie Dev Stands Firm on Game Length Amidst Steam Refund Debate

Hey PakGamersHub community! We all love a good deal, and Steam’s refund policy often feels like a safety net, right? That two-hour window gives us peace of mind when trying out a new game. But what happens when that very policy starts causing headaches for the developers themselves, especially those crafting shorter, more focused gaming experiences?

That’s exactly the situation solo developer Mateo Covic, the creative mind behind the co-op hit Paddle Paddle Paddle, has been discussing. Covic recently opened up about his frustrations with what he sees as an exploitable loophole in Steam’s refund system. He’s seen players beat his game, sometimes even leave a positive review, and then proceed to refund it – with some even bragging about it!

Now, before you jump to conclusions, Covic is quick to clarify he’s “100% pro refund.” He believes the policy is generally good for players and he’s thrilled with how Paddle Paddle Paddle has performed. His concern lies specifically with how the two-hour refund window impacts games that are designed to be completed in less time. If your game offers a full experience within that timeframe, it becomes an easy target for those looking to play for free, even if Valve’s own rules technically forbid this kind of abuse.

Many have suggested Covic simply make his games longer or more replayable to avoid falling victim to this window. But Covic isn’t having any of it. He firmly believes in his development philosophy: “A game is ready when it’s ready, and I don’t even think about the playtime during development.” For him, it’s about creating small, fun, and affordable games. He proudly points to Paddle Paddle Paddle’s fantastic reviews and streamer popularity as proof that his approach works.

He put it simply: “I will never stretch out a game with more content just to avoid refunds.” Covic actually tried this before with an earlier game, Makis Adventure, adding extra content to extend playtime. While it did achieve longer average playtimes, he found those added sections were the weakest parts of the game. In contrast, the shorter, more focused Paddle Paddle Paddle performed incomparably better.

Covic is a strong advocate for the value of short games. He fondly recalls his experience with A Short Hike, a game he finished in about an hour and a half, calling it “probably one of the best evenings I had with a game.” He also appreciates titles like the Fears to Fathom series, which deliver impactful experiences without demanding dozens of hours. These are the kinds of games he loves to make, and he’s not letting market pressures or refund policies change his creative vision.

It brings up an interesting discussion for us gamers: do we appreciate a perfectly crafted, concise experience, or do we always expect games to offer endless hours of content? What are your thoughts on short games and Steam’s refund policy?