Uncharted Sectors

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2025/03/16

1. Introduction

Welcome to Uncharted Sectors (“the Game”), which is made available via Steam (and potentially other platforms). This Privacy Policy describes how we (Luc Toupense, author of the game) collect, use, and protect personal data when you play our Game, visit our website, or use any related services—such as community forums, newsletters, or the Steam Workshop for user-generated content (UGC).

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Data Controller and Contact

Data Controller:
 Luc Toupense
6 Square du Bois Perrin, 35700 Rennes, France
contact@uncharted-sectors.com

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your rights, please contact us at privacy@uncharted-sectors.com.

3. What Data We Collect

3.1. Steam Integration

When you purchase or launch the Game via Steam, some user information may be collected and processed by Valve Corporation (the operator of Steam). This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Steam Account Information (username, friends list, profile information, etc.)
  • Playtime Statistics
  • Achievements and Workshop (if applicable)

We integrate certain Steamworks SDK features (such as achievements, cloud saves, or the Steam Workshop). Any data collected through Steam’s platform is subject to Steam’s own Privacy Policy, and we do not control how Steam processes or shares that data. For more details, please review Steam’s Privacy Policy.

All purchases and payment methods are handled by Steam. We do not collect or store payment details.

3.2. Basic Data via GameAnalytics (Mandatory Collection)

We use GameAnalytics for basic in-game analytics. This data collection is only made to help us improve the game, happens by default in all builds of the Game and includes:

  • Operating System (OS) and version
  • Device model
  • Country (determined by IP address, although we do not store IP addresses)
  • In-game actions (e.g., tutorial completion, progress milestones…)
  • Error logs and crash reports (stripped of any identifiable information)

We also track whether the version of the Game you are using is legitimate or pirated. We do this to protect our intellectual property and provide a fair experience to legitimate purchasers.

Note: We carefully manage the logs to ensure they do not contain personal identifiers. This data is used solely to help us understand player behavior, improve the Game, and fix technical issues.

3.3. GameAnalytics (Opt-In Collection)

In regular builds, you can optionally enable more detailed tracking in the Game settings. This tracking includes:

  • A randomly generated identifier (this cannot be linked to your real identity)
  • Details about your device’s hardware (e.g., graphics and audio cards, drivers)
  • How the game runs on your system (e.g., resolution, screen size, refresh rate, touch support)
  • Session information (how often you play, how long you play, etc.)

You must actively choose to enable this data sharing (i.e., “opt in”). If you do not enable it, we only collect the basic anonymous data mentioned in Section 3.2. 

3.4. Mandatory Data Collection in Playtest Builds

In certain builds—particularly alpha, beta or playtest builds—we may require you to enable the additional data collection described in Section 3.3. In this case, you will be prompted by a clear message when opening the game offering you to agree or decline. If you decline, the Game will close, and you will not be able to proceed in that version. We rely on this data to:

  • Gather in-depth feedback
  • Track user progress and retention during testing phases
  • Improve and balance the Game prior to public release

By playing these specific builds, you agree to provide additional data.

3.5. Steam Workshop (User-Generated Content)

Our Game may utilize the Steam Workshop to allow players to create, upload, and share mods or other user-generated content (UGC). Please note:

  • Steam hosts these mods, and any personal data or content you include in your Workshop submissions is processed in accordance with Steam’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • We do not systematically moderate or review all UGC for personal data.
  • You are responsible for any personal or sensitive data you choose to include in your mods.
  • We may remove content that violates our Terms of Service, Steam’s guidelines, or applicable laws, but ultimate control over data stored in the Workshop remains with Steam.

3.6. Newsletter Subscription (MailerLite)

If you choose to sign up for our newsletter:

  • We collect your email address and your name, that you voluntarily provide.
  • We use MailerLite to manage our email lists. MailerLite may use Google Analytics in some parts of its toolkit to gather email open rates, click-through rates, and similar metrics. This data helps us improve newsletter content and mailing frequency.

3.7. Website Data (WordPress.com and Google Analytics)

Our website is hosted on WordPress.com, which may collect:

  • Standard log files (e.g., IP address, browser type, referring URLs, etc.).
  • We also use Google Analytics on our website to gather information about website traffic and usage patterns. Google Analytics stores cookies on your device to analyze how you use the site.

3.7.1 Cookies (See Our Cookie Policy)

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website to provide essential site functionality, analyze traffic, and enhance user experience. Detailed information about what cookies we use, how long they last, how you can manage your cookie preferences, and how to opt out of certain cookies can be found in our dedicated Cookie Policy.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy. If you have any questions about our use of cookies or wish to modify your cookie preferences, please refer to the Cookie Policy for instructions or contact us at privacy@uncharted-sectors.com.

3.8. Bug Reports (Google Forms and Imgur)

When you submit a bug report via Google Forms:

  • We receive the data you input (e.g., a description of the issue).
  • We offer an optional toggle to include a screenshot. If toggled on, the screenshot is captured and hosted anonymously on Imgur. No screenshot is taken or uploaded if you do not enable this toggle. 
  • If you do include a screenshot, only the viewport of the Game is captured, but be mindful that it could contain personally identifiable information if your screen displays any such data (e.g., if you customize entities names in the game). We recommend avoiding sensitive or personal content in bug report screenshots.

4. How and Why We Use the Data

We use your data to:

  1. Provide and Improve the Game: Analyze player behavior, diagnose crashes, fix bugs, and enhance gameplay.
  2. Understand Engagement: For those who opt in to deeper analytics, we track session frequency to gauge retention and engagement levels.
  3. Communicate with You: Send newsletters or updates (only if you have explicitly signed up) and respond to support queries.
  4. Enforce Agreements and Comply with Legal Obligations: Ensure our Terms of Service and other legal requirements are met.

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

We rely on the following lawful bases under the GDPR:

Consent:

  • Additional data collection in regular builds (opt-in).
  • Mandatory data collection in alpha/beta/playtest builds (by agreeing to continue).
  • Newsletter subscriptions and optional screenshots in bug reports.

Legitimate Interests:

  • Basic analytics to improve game performance (non-identifiable usage data).
  • Anti-piracy measures to protect our business and legitimate players.

Contract:

  • Providing the Game and fulfilling any obligations in our Terms of Service.

Legal Obligations:

  • Where disclosure is required by law or to comply with legal processes.

6. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell or share your personal data with any third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

However, we utilize trusted service providers who process data on our behalf or in connection with their own platforms:

  • Steam / Valve Corporation: Platform services, user authentication, achievements.
  • GameAnalytics: Game analytics processing.
  • MailerLite: Newsletter management.
  • WordPress.com: Website hosting.
  • Google Analytics: Website (and newsletter) usage analytics.
  • Google Forms: Bug report collection.
  • Imgur: Optional screenshot hosting (anonymous).

These providers operate under their own privacy policies. For example, data collected on Steam is primarily controlled by Valve, and we do not determine how Steam uses such data. We ensure that our data processing agreements are compliant with GDPR and other applicable laws.

7. Data Retention

We retain your data as needed:

  • Analytics Data: Kept for performance improvements and gameplay analysis.
  • Playtest Data: Until the test concludes or we no longer need it for development.
  • Anti-Piracy Logs: As necessary to detect unauthorized copies.
  • Newsletter: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
  • Bug Reports: While necessary for troubleshooting.

After data is no longer required, we either delete it or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

8. International Data Transfers

Our service providers (such as GameAnalytics, Google, MailerLite, and WordPress.com) may process data outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). In such cases, they use GDPR-approved data transfer mechanisms (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) or operate in countries recognized by the European Commission as providing an adequate level of data protection.

9. Your Rights (GDPR)

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectify: Ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Erase: Request deletion of your data under certain circumstances (e.g., if it’s no longer needed).
  • Restrict: Request restricted processing of your data, subject to certain conditions.
  • Data Portability: Obtain a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format.
  • Object: Object to the processing of your data where we rely on legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw Consent: If processing is based on consent, you can withdraw at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@uncharted-sectors.com. If you are unsatisfied, you can also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (in France, this is the CNIL).

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Game and services are not directed at children under 16 (or any higher minimum age required by their jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us so we can delete it.

11. Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, accidental loss, or unlawful processing. These measures include secure connections (HTTPS), limited access controls, and anonymizing data where feasible. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our operations or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify you (for example, by posting a notice on our website or updating the “Last updated” date above).

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

 Luc Toupense
6 Square du Bois Perrin, 35700 Rennes, France
contact@uncharted-sectors.com

By playing Uncharted Sectors or using any of our related services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.