Privacy Policy

The Game · Last updated: September 24, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how The Game ("the app"), operated by The Game LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company ("we", "our"), handles information when you use our mobile and web application.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary to run the game:

Anonymous device identifier — when you first open the app, Firebase Authentication creates a random anonymous ID for your device. You can play without providing any personal information.
Email address and name — if you choose to sign in with Google or Apple to save your progress across devices, we receive the email address and name associated with that account. Signing in is optional.
Display name and username — if you choose to enter one, this name is stored and shown to other players on leaderboards and in multiplayer games.
Profile photo — if you choose to set a profile picture, the image you select is uploaded and stored to display as your avatar. This is optional.
Chat messages — messages you send in in-game chat are stored and delivered to the other players in your game.
Game statistics — scores, wins, losses, ELO rating, and games played are stored to power the leaderboard and your profile.
Usage and diagnostic data — we use Google Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics to understand how the app is used and to detect crashes. This includes product-interaction events, an app-instance identifier, and crash logs.
Push notification token — if you grant notification permission, a device token is stored to deliver game turn reminders. You can revoke this permission at any time in your device settings.

We do not collect your phone number, contacts, or precise location, and we never sell your personal information. The iOS and Android apps show ads served by Google AdMob — optional rewarded ads you choose to watch, and occasional full-screen ads that may appear automatically after a game ends (see Section 3b) — and the ad provider may collect advertising data as described there. The web version shows no ads.

2. How We Use Your Information

To identify your game session and save your progress across devices (anonymous ID or linked Google/Apple account)
To display your name, avatar, and stats on leaderboards and to other players in multiplayer games
To deliver in-game chat messages between players
To send push notifications when it is your turn in a multiplayer game
To calculate fair ELO matchmaking ratings
To measure app usage and diagnose crashes so we can improve the app

We do not use your account or game data for advertising or profiling. Ads in the mobile apps are served by Google AdMob using only the advertising data described in Section 3b — never your name, email, game history, or chat.

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for their marketing purposes.

We use the following third-party services to operate the app:

Google Firebase (Firestore, Authentication, Cloud Messaging, Analytics, Crashlytics, Hosting) — your game data is stored and processed on Firebase infrastructure. Google's privacy policy applies: policies.google.com/privacy
Sign in with Google / Sign in with Apple — if you choose to sign in, these providers authenticate you and share your email and name with the app.
Google AdMob (iOS and Android apps only) — serves the rewarded and full-screen ads described in Section 3b. Google's privacy policy applies: policies.google.com/privacy; how Google uses advertising data: policies.google.com/technologies/ads

3a. User Content & Moderation

In-game chat and player-chosen names are user-generated content. We filter chat and usernames for objectionable language, and you can report a message or block a player by pressing and holding a chat message. We review reports and act on objectionable content and abusive users within 24 hours. To report abuse, use the in-app tools or contact us at sam@thegamee.com.

3b. Advertising

The iOS and Android apps may offer optional rewarded ads: in a game with no turn clock, you can choose to watch a short video ad to earn a bonus word lookup, Word Solver use, or board replay. We may also show an occasional full-screen ad when you leave a results screen or an untimed game after your turn. Ads are never shown during a timed round and never on the web version. You can play the entire game without ever watching a rewarded ad.

Ads are served by Google AdMob. Every ad request is non-personalized: the app never asks for tracking permission and never reads your device's advertising identifier (IDFA on iOS, Advertising ID on Android). AdMob may still collect IP address and the approximate location derived from it, device and app information, and ad interaction data (views and clicks) in order to serve, measure, and cap the ads and to detect fraud. AdMob does not receive your name, email, game data, or chat.

iOS and Android — you will not be asked to allow tracking; ads are non-personalized by default.
EEA, UK and Switzerland — before any ad is requested you are shown a consent choice covering storage/access of information on your device. You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at the address in Section 9.

4. Data Retention

Your game data (profile, stats, games) is retained as long as your anonymous account exists. Because your account is tied to your device, uninstalling the app will effectively orphan the data. We do not automatically delete inactive accounts, but you may request deletion at any time (see Section 6).

5. Children's Privacy

The Game does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app does not require any personal information to play. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information through the app, please contact us and we will delete it.

6. Your Rights & Data Deletion

You can permanently delete your account and all associated data at any time from inside the app: open your profile and tap Delete Account, then confirm. This immediately removes your profile, statistics, game history, username, avatar, and sign-in account, and cannot be undone.

If you are unable to access the app, you may also request deletion by contacting us at the address below, and we will delete your data within 30 days.

7. Security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS and stored in Google Firebase, which provides industry-standard security controls. Access to game data is restricted by Firestore security rules so that only authenticated participants can read or modify their own records.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to request data deletion, please contact:

sam@thegamee.com