Privacy Policy

Wounded Bird Games ("WBG", "we", "us") is a Sweden-based company operating the website at woundedbirdgames.com. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

Information We Collect

When you fill out a form

Our site includes several forms (Hatchery Profile, Developer Spotlight, Company Spotlight, Job Listings). When you submit a form, we collect the information you provide, which may include:

• Name and email address
• Location (city and country)
• Professional information (job titles, work history, skills, tools, credits)
• Social media and portfolio links
• Video links you submit
• Biography or free-text descriptions

This information is stored in Google Sheets, which is secured by Google's infrastructure. Only the WBG team has access to the raw data.

When you purchase a game

Game purchases on The Arcade are processed by Stripe. We do not collect, store, or have access to your credit card number, bank details, or other payment credentials. Stripe handles all payment processing and is PCI-DSS compliant.

We receive from Stripe: the amount paid, a transaction ID, and the email address you provide at checkout. We use this information to verify your purchase and provide access to the game.

When you browse the site

We use localStorage in your browser to remember which games you've unlocked on The Arcade and to handle page navigation. This data stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.

We do not use cookies for tracking. We do not use analytics services. We do not serve advertisements.

Location autocomplete

Some forms use the GeoNames API to provide location suggestions as you type. Your typed input is sent to GeoNames to retrieve matching cities. We do not store your search queries. GeoNames' own privacy policy governs their handling of this data.

How We Use Your Information

• Hatchery profiles are used to connect game industry professionals with opportunities. Your profile data (excluding email) may be visible to other users through the Talent Explorer when it launches.
• Spotlight submissions are used to feature developers and companies on the WBG platform. Your video and information may be shared publicly.
• Job listings are used to connect game developers with employment opportunities.
• Arcade purchases are used to provide access to games and to track revenue for developer payouts.
• Email addresses are used for account-related communications (e.g., magic link authentication for profile editing). We do not send marketing emails unless you explicitly opt in.

Legal Basis for Processing

Under EU data protection law (GDPR), we must have a lawful basis for processing your personal data. The bases we rely on are:

• Consent — when you voluntarily submit a form or opt in to marketing communications. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at the email address below.
• Contract — when we process payment and purchase data to fulfil your game purchase on The Arcade.
• Legitimate interests — when we use your data to operate and improve our platform, provided this does not override your rights. Our legitimate interests include maintaining the Hatchery talent directory and facilitating developer payouts.
• Legal obligation — when we retain financial records as required by law.

Who We Share Data With

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with the following services, which are necessary to operate the site:

• Google (Sheets, Apps Script) — stores form submission data
• Stripe — processes payments
• Netlify — hosts the website
• GeoNames — provides location autocomplete

Each of these services has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data.

International Data Transfers

Some of the services listed above are based in the United States. This means your personal data may be transferred to, and processed in, countries outside the European Economic Area. Where this occurs, we rely on safeguards such as the service provider's use of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or their participation in frameworks recognised as providing adequate protection. You can contact us for more details about the specific safeguards in place.

Data Retention

We retain form submission data for as long as it serves its stated purpose. Specifically:

• Hatchery profiles are retained until the user requests removal.
• Spotlight and job listing submissions are retained for as long as they remain published, plus up to 12 months after removal.
• Payment records are retained for 7 years as required for financial reporting under Swedish law (Bokföringslagen).

Your Rights

Under EU data protection law (GDPR), you have the right to:

• Access your data — request a copy of the information we hold about you.
• Correct your data — have inaccurate information updated.
• Delete your data — have your information removed from our systems.
• Restrict processing — ask us to limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured, commonly used format, or have it transferred to another organisation.
• Object to processing — object to our use of your data where we rely on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw consent — where we rely on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time by contacting us. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before withdrawal.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@woundedbirdgames.com. We will respond within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. In Sweden, this is the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten, IMY): imy.se. If you are in another EU/EEA country, you may contact your local data protection authority.

Children's Privacy

Our site is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted information through our forms, please contact us and we will remove it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We will not reduce your rights under this policy without your consent.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy or want to exercise your data rights, contact us at:

hello@woundedbirdgames.com