Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to MellowVerse, a virtual reality experience created by Ctrl Studios, a Zos Computer Company. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and use in compliance with Meta's Developer Data Use Policy and applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Username, email address, and Meta Quest account details
• Profile Information: Avatar customization choices and display name
• Voice Communications: Voice chat data during multiplayer sessions (processed in real-time, not stored)
• User-Generated Content: Any content you create or share within MellowVerse

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: VR headset model, device ID, operating system
• Usage Data: Session duration, features used, locations visited within the game
• Performance Data: Frame rate, load times, and technical performance metrics
• Movement Data: In-game position, movement patterns, and interaction data (used only for gameplay)
• Analytics Data: Gameplay statistics, progress, and achievements

2.3 Third-Party Services

MellowVerse integrates with the following third-party services that may collect data:

• Meta Platform Services: Account authentication and social features
• Photon Network: Real-time multiplayer connectivity and synchronization
• PlayFab (Microsoft): Player data management, leaderboards, and cloud saves
• Unity Analytics: Game performance and usage analytics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Gameplay Experience: To provide, maintain, and improve the MellowVerse experience
• Multiplayer Functionality: To enable social features, voice chat, and player interactions
• Technical Support: To diagnose and fix technical issues
• Analytics: To understand how players use MellowVerse and improve game design
• Security: To detect and prevent abuse, cheating, or harmful behavior
• Communication: To send important updates about the game (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and Meta platform requirements

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

• Meta Horizon Platform (hosting and distribution)
• Photon Engine (multiplayer networking)
• PlayFab/Microsoft (player data management)
• Unity Technologies (game engine and analytics)

4.2 Other Players

• Your username and avatar are visible to other players in multiplayer sessions
• Voice communications are transmitted to nearby players in real-time
• Your in-game actions and movements are visible to other players

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Ctrl Studios, our users, or others.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to provide MellowVerse services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Specifically:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Usage Data: Retained for up to 12 months for analytics purposes
• Voice Chat: Not stored; processed in real-time only
• Gameplay Data: Retained indefinitely to maintain progress and achievements

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-Out: Disable analytics and marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below. Note that some data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

7. Children's Privacy

MellowVerse is intended for users aged 13 and older, in compliance with Meta Quest platform policies. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

8. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure cloud storage with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using MellowVerse, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and service providers globally.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Displaying an in-game notification
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of MellowVerse after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

MellowVerse may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as Discord, YouTube, or social media). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and share
• The right to request deletion of your personal information
• The right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell data)
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• The right to access your personal data
• The right to rectification of inaccurate data
• The right to request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• The right to restrict processing
• The right to data portability
• The right to object to processing

14. Meta Platform Compliance

As an application on the Meta Quest platform, MellowVerse complies with Meta's Developer Data Use Policy. We adhere to Meta's requirements regarding:

• Transparent data collection and use practices
• User privacy and security standards
• Appropriate handling of Meta platform data
• Compliance with platform terms of service
• Requests to delete user data, regardless of user's location