Data Protection Policy for The Game Atlas

1. Introduction

The gaming industry has rapidly evolved into a digital ecosystem where user engagement, interaction, and data play a critical role. With the increasing popularity of video games across multiple platforms—PC, consoles, mobile devices, and cloud-based services—data protection becomes a key element in ensuring user trust. This Data Protection Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and secure personal data within the context of video game services. We are fully committed to protecting the privacy and digital rights of our players, viewers, and community members.

2. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all users who interact with our video games, including online and offline features, multiplayer modes, user accounts, forums, downloadable content, virtual items, customer support, and marketing communications. Regardless of whether you access our services via desktop, console, or handheld device, this policy governs how your personal information is handled.

3. Information We Collect

To provide engaging and customized gameplay experiences, we collect different categories of information:

• User Profile Data: usernames, avatars, gamer tags, email addresses, and preferences.
• Gameplay Data: progress, achievements, leaderboards, session times, and saved states.
• Device and Platform Data: system type, OS version, screen resolution, language settings, and console identifiers.
• Payment-Related Data: transaction IDs, virtual currency balances, and purchase history (note: payment credentials are handled by external processors).
• Communication Logs: in-game chats, support tickets, and forum posts.
• Behavioral Data: player interactions, session patterns, feature usage, and responses to in-game events.
• Technical Data: crash reports, bug reports, error logs, and latency measurements.

We ensure that all data collected is relevant to improving your experience while maintaining transparency in its usage.

4. Methods of Data Collection

We obtain data through various channels:

• Direct Input: when users create accounts, participate in forums, join communities, or contact support.
• Automated Systems: including gameplay analytics, telemetry tools, anti-cheat software, and performance monitoring.
• Third-Party Integrations: such as platform providers (console networks), social media login options, or in-game advertising networks.
• Player Feedback: surveys, beta testing participation, and voluntary suggestions.

Each method adheres to data minimization principles, collecting only the information necessary for the intended feature or interaction.

5. Why We Process Your Data

The personal data we collect is used to serve a variety of legitimate purposes:

• Game Functionality: saving progress, customizing user interfaces, and enabling multiplayer modes.
• Support Services: answering technical questions, restoring accounts, and managing game entitlements.
• Security Measures: detecting cheating, preventing abuse, banning fraudulent accounts, and managing age restrictions.
• Improvements and Innovation: developing new features, analyzing player behavior, and optimizing performance.
• Marketing Communications: informing users about updates, promotions, tournaments, and special in-game events (with your consent).
• Legal Compliance: adhering to regional data protection regulations and handling content appropriately for age-specific ratings.

We never use your personal data for unlawful profiling or for decisions made solely by automated means that could have legal effects on you.

6. Lawful Basis for Processing

• Contractual Necessity: to provide access to purchased or downloaded games and related services.
• Legitimate Interests: including maintaining game integrity, enhancing user satisfaction, and ensuring server efficiency.
• User Consent: obtained for optional features like newsletters, location sharing, or beta testing.
• Legal Obligations: including tax reporting, fraud prevention, and safeguarding minors.

Where applicable, users may revoke consent at any time via account settings or by reaching out to our support team.

7. Data Storage and Retention

Personal data is stored in secure databases and servers with access restricted to authorized personnel only. Retention durations depend on:

• The type of data.
• The ongoing use of a game or account.
• Whether the data is necessary for resolving disputes or ensuring compliance.
• Whether the user has requested deletion.

Inactive accounts may be deleted after prolonged inactivity, although certain records may be retained for legal or security reasons. When data is no longer needed, we erase or anonymize it in accordance with best practices.

8. Security and Protection Measures

We implement robust security protocols to protect user data, including:

• Encryption at rest and in transit.
• Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and DDoS protection.
• Regular security audits and code reviews.
• Two-factor authentication for account access.
• Data backup and recovery procedures.

Users are advised to use strong, unique passwords and update them periodically to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

9. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent personal data. However, certain disclosures may occur under specific circumstances:

• Service Providers: partners who help us deliver services, such as cloud storage, analytics, and matchmaking systems.
• Platform Partners: console networks or storefronts where the game is distributed may receive certain data to facilitate features or updates.
• Support Vendors: third parties assisting with customer care or game moderation.
• Legal Requirements: law enforcement or court orders may compel the disclosure of data in accordance with applicable laws.
• Corporate Transactions: if the company undergoes restructuring, merger, or acquisition, data may be transferred as part of that process.

All external entities are bound by contractual obligations to protect user data.

10. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Gaming is a global activity, and some data may be stored or processed in countries outside your own. We take extra steps to ensure your data remains protected:

• Using countries with adequate data protection laws.
• Implementing standard contractual clauses approved by regulators.
• Conducting security assessments of foreign service providers.

We maintain user rights and protections regardless of geographic location.

11. Your Rights and Choices

As a data subject, you have several rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: you can request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Rectification: you can correct or update incomplete or inaccurate data.
• Erasure: you may request the deletion of data, provided it’s not legally required to retain it.
• Restriction: you can limit certain types of processing under specific conditions.
• Objection: you may object to data being used for marketing or profiling.
• Data Portability: request your data in a structured format to transfer to another platform.

To exercise these rights, use the in-game settings or contact our support team. We will respond in a timely and lawful manner.

12. Children’s Privacy

We are particularly sensitive to data protection for minors. Our games are designed with age-appropriate content filters, and we avoid collecting personal data from users under the minimum legal age unless parental consent is obtained. Any violation of this policy will result in prompt deletion of data associated with the underage account.

13. Policy Updates

This Data Protection Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in laws, technologies, or game features. Any substantial changes will be communicated through in-game notifications, user dashboards, or customer communications. Continued use of our services after such changes indicates your acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Data Protection Policy or how we handle personal data, you can reach out to our privacy team:

Privacy Compliance Team
The Game Atlas
35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
[email protected]

We are committed to transparency, accountability, and resolving any concerns you may have about your data.