Code Violet players think is to avoid PS exclusivity refunds

At this point, we all know that the first PlayStation “exclusive” of 2026, Code Violet, is, critically at least, a flop. The survival horror title, intended to invoke memories of Dino Crisis, currently sits at 40 on Metacritic, and after a brief honeymoon period that saw its developer, Timkill Media, make a game for fans and not critics, it seems those “fans” are opening the game.

In the lead up to Code Violet's release, it was revealed that the reason the game didn't launch on PC was to prevent modders from creating vulgar creations of the main character.

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However, now that the game is officially out, some believe that the real reason the game isn't on PC has almost nothing to do with mods but the very generous return policy that Steam offers. Something the PlayStation has yet to mirror.

If you want to return to PlayStation, good luck because it's not easy

Unlike Steam, which lets you request a refund for any game, for any reason, purchased within its first two weeks and with less than two hours of playtime, the PlayStation Store refund process is more complicated. Although Sony made it easier, refunds for downloaded games are often not issued, and there are a few instances, such as The Beginning of Cyberpunk or Death of Concord, where refunds were processed automatically.

This is an important context, as more and more players are experiencing Code Violet, it seems your best bet is to get a refund for something called low-effort.

Except, if you've already started playing, you're essentially ineligible for one.

Of the four games Teamkill Media has released, only two are on Steam, and the available Steam reviews prove that users have returned the title after similar terrible experiences.

Its next two titles are not on Steam, and neither (Code Violet or Quantum Error) have reached above 40 on Metacritic or above 3 via user scores.

“I never thought I'd see a worse game than Callisto Protocol this soon,” read a verified purchase review on the PS Store for Code Violet. “I'm so mad, I don't think I'm ever going to buy a game on the PS Store again until they fix their return policy. PC Master Race.”

One social media user opined that Code Violet should be a case study for re-evaluating the policy.

Considering the past defeats the PS Store has had to deal with (Cyberpunk, MindsEye and Concord to start with) and no progress on returns outside of a better way to request them, it seems doubtful that Code Violet will be the game that breaks the camel's back.

Refunds aside, it looks like TeamKill Media will have to answer some questions soon, even if they will admit to them.