Who we are

EnterTheInstance.com is the website for The Instance, an idle companion game for Android made by an independent developer (“we”, “us”). This policy covers the website and its mailing list. When the game launches, this page will be updated to cover the app as well.

Questions or requests about your data: admin@entertheinstance.com.

What we collect

Your email address, if you sign up

The “Notify me” form asks for one thing: your email address. We use it only to send news about The Instance, such as development updates, new lore and the first public build. You'll get a confirmation email first, and nothing more is sent unless you click to confirm.

When you sign up, Kit also records the date and time and the IP address the request came from, as proof that you asked to subscribe. Kit's emails may also note whether a message was opened and which links were clicked. We only look at that in total, to see whether updates are reaching people.

Basic server logs

Like almost every website, our web host automatically logs each request: IP address, browser type, the page asked for and the time. These logs are used to keep the site running and secure, aren't combined with anything else, and are deleted on the host's normal schedule.

Settings saved in your browser

If you name your CON or pick a body color on the site, that choice is saved in your browser's local storage so it's still there next time. It never leaves your device and we can't see it. You can clear it at any time by clearing this site's data in your browser.

What we don't do

We don't use cookies, analytics, advertising, tracking pixels, social media embeds or third-party fonts. Everything on the site loads from our own server. We don't sell, rent or trade personal information, and we don't use it for profiling or targeted advertising.

Who we share it with

Only the services needed to run the site and the mailing list:

• Kit (kit.com) stores the mailing list and sends the emails. See Kit's privacy policy.
• Our web host (EthernetServers) runs the server and keeps the logs described above.

We'd also disclose information if the law required it.

Kit is based in the United States, so if you live elsewhere your email address will be stored and processed there. Kit uses standard legal safeguards, such as the EU's Standard Contractual Clauses, for those transfers.

Why we're allowed to use it

For visitors in the EU, UK and similar places: we use your email address because you consented by signing up and confirming. You can withdraw that consent at any time by unsubscribing. Server logs are kept under our legitimate interest in keeping the site working and secure.

How long we keep it

Your email address stays on the list until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it. Unconfirmed sign-ups are removed. Server logs are kept only for the host's short, routine period.

Your choices and rights

• Unsubscribe with the link at the bottom of every email.
• See, correct or delete what we hold about you by emailing admin@entertheinstance.com. We'll reply within 30 days.
• Depending on where you live, for example under the GDPR or California law, you may also have the right to object, to restrict processing, to get a copy of your data, and to complain to your local data protection authority. We won't treat you differently for using any of these rights.

Children

The mailing list isn't meant for children under 13, or under 16 in the EU and UK, and we don't knowingly collect their information. If you think a child has signed up, email us and we'll remove them.

Security

The whole site is served over an encrypted connection (HTTPS), and we keep the amount of data we hold as small as possible. No system is perfectly secure, but we'll tell affected people promptly if something goes wrong.

Changes to this policy

If this policy changes, the new version will be posted here with a new effective date. If a change matters for the mailing list, we'll mention it in an email.