Fifa 13 game bugs, glitches and crashing - can you get a refund?

Patrick Steen at Which? Convo: Buggy, broken video games. It’s something I’ve come to expect, and Fifa 13 is the latest to be plagued by the issue. Usually you just wait for a patch but, when that doesn’t fix all the issues, why can’t you get a refund?

[GribbleGrunger]

If it becomes law that we could get refunds for broken games, then perhaps this industry will grow stronger. I'm all for it!

[pompombrum]

If it became law, with games like Fifa, EA would try less and less new stuff to ensure they can't possibly screw it up.

In theory it sounds good but the reality is, greedy companies like EA would just rather take less risks and add less new stuff than take longer polishing their titles.

[The_KELRaTH]

I think it would better balance the supply and demand. If EA takes less risks then it opens the door to others that will and looses revenue. This year has seen some big changes in this regard ie. I recently pledged money for the upcoming Star Citizen game - the publishers said there was no demand for this type of game yet it has already far surpassed needed pledges(over $2.5m in a matter of weeks). Firaxis are amazed how well Xcom sales have been going, Steam have introduced Greenlight, influx of free to play games where if you like it and it works well you will buy ingame upgrades.

[techie]

Interesting theory, but really it's to protect against broken games, not little bugs. People don't want to take their games back, they want to play them.

[Dark_Overlord]

It is law in the UK, if you find a fault with a product (yes that includes software too), you can return it to where you purchased it from and can demand a refund, however the seller (shop/website etc) is allowed to attempt to fix the product within a reasonable time (usually 2 weeks), if not then they have to give you you're money back.

I'll see if I still have the email from trading standards regarding this :)

[pompombrum]

Go in to a shop like game and try and return fifa because of the current flaws, they'll most likely refuse. I can't say I understand how the law works but surely bugs in the game isn't a valid reason to demand a refund?

[Dark_Overlord]

"surely bugs in the game isn't a valid reason to demand a refund?"

Funnily enough they are :) If a shop like GAME etc refuse, you can get Trading Standards to act on your behalf or if you want to be a right evil bugger (lol) take out a small claims case against them, guaranteed they won't win :)

Couldn't find the email, but had the page saved which led me to emailing them :)

http://www.computerandvideo...

Thats Trading Standards own words :)

[abzdine]

so now people regret and admit FIFA13's flaws ? too late now they dont care they already cashed the money. so maybe in FIFA14 when YOU buy it and realize it's still broken. customers are also to blame in this

[iistuii]

What are you on about. If I go & buy an iPad, tv or even a car & it's got a fault, why is that MY fault. Customers aren't to blame for a faulty product they spend their money on. Any other product that doesn't fit the purpose it was purchased for, you get a refund, that should be the same with games.
On topic I've got PC version & must be one of the lucky ones as mines fine. Just hope the patch doesn't ruin that.

[techie]

Shouldn't you expect a game to work and be playable when you buy it? That there should be a football to kick?