Indie Developer Urges Steam to Revise Refund Policy After Loophole Exploited

WHO:

Kotaku - Zoroarts, a 23-year-old solo game developer, is the creator of the game Paddle Paddle Paddle.

Kotaku - The game Paddle Paddle Paddle is published by Assemble.

IGN - Zoroarts is also known as Mateo Covic.

WHAT:

Kotaku - Paddle Paddle Paddle has sold 270,000 copies in its first year of release.

Kotaku - The game has a refund rate of 21%, resulting in 55,000 refunds.

Kotaku - Paddle Paddle Paddle costs $5 at full price and has been on sale for $3.

Kotaku - The game has received 89% positive reviews on Steam.

Kotaku - Zoroarts reported a gross revenue of about $826,000 from Paddle Paddle Paddle.

Kotaku - After refunds, chargebacks, and taxes, the net revenue is about $605,000.

Kotaku - After Steam’s cut and other deductions, approximately $250,000 remains for the developer.

Kotaku - Zoroarts received multiple reviews stating players enjoyed the game but refunded it.

WHERE:

Kotaku - The game Paddle Paddle Paddle is available on the Steam platform.

Kotaku - Zoroarts is based in Germany.

WHEN:

Kotaku - Paddle Paddle Paddle was released following Zoroarts' first game, Makis Adventure, which was released in 2023.

Kotaku - Zoroarts was listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list for 2026.

WHY:

Kotaku - Zoroarts criticized Steam's refund policy for allowing players to exploit it by completing short games and receiving refunds despite positive reviews.

Kotaku - Zoroarts expressed concerns that the refund policy discriminates against developers of shorter games.

HOW:

Kotaku - Steam's refund policy allows players to refund any game played for less than two hours within 14 days of purchase.

Kotaku - Zoroarts suggested that expected playtimes could be displayed on the store page to help mitigate the issue with refunds for short games.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 23:25 UTC)

Zoroarts, a 23-year-old solo game developer from Germany, has made waves with his game Paddle Paddle Paddle, which has sold 270,000 copies in its first year and garnered 89% positive reviews on Steam. Despite its success, the game has faced a 21% refund rate, leading to concerns from Zoroarts about Steam's refund policy, which he believes allows players to exploit the system by completing shorter games and then requesting refunds. He has suggested that displaying expected playtimes on the store page could help address this issue, as he continues to navigate the challenges of game development while being recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list for 2026.