Episode 99: Maybe Don’t Abuse Steam’s Refund System (News Show)

Steam’s refund policy is great… until people start abusing it and hurting small developers. Also: EA offers up accessibility patents for free, Apple does the bare minimum to ward off lawsuits, and Unity employees take a stand. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:01] - EA makes five accessibility patents available for free [00:14:38] - Unity employees speak up about company’s military contracts [00:32:49] - Investment Interlude [00:42:06] - Quick Hits [00:50:48] - Activision Blizzard in more hot water with the DFEH [00:53:51] - Apple makes small concession in attempt to settle lawsuit [00:55:56] - How Steam’s refund policy hurt one small developer SOURCES Using our patents to drive positive play (EA) EA’s Patent Pledge for Increasing Accessibility EA's efforts to catch up to its responsibility (GamesIndustry) Unity Workers Question Company Ethics As It Expands From Video Games to War (Vice) California expands lawsuit against Activision Blizzard (Axios) Apple loosens rules for developers in major concession amid antitrust pressure (Washington Post) Coalition for App Fairness Statement on Apple’s Sham Settlement Offer INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Unity Acquires OTO to Foster Safer Gaming Environments Our stock begins trading on Nasdaq today, as the SPAC deal is finally closed (Nexters) Apphic Games received investment from WePlay Ventures with a valuation of 14 Million TL absurd:joy announces $5.35 million raise for new virtual office/collaboration platform built around privacy, comfort and creativity