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

Aug 30, 2021

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.

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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