Privacy Policy

Aetherbound · Last updated September 25, 2026

This is a plain-language explanation of how Aetherbound handles data, on the web and in the App Store / Google Play apps. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Who operates this

Aetherbound is operated independently of other personal or studio sites. For privacy questions, use the in-game feedback flow or email support@aetherbound.app.

What we collect and why

Account (optional). If you sign in with Google, Firebase Authentication processes credentials under Google’s and Firebase’s terms. We receive identifiers needed to associate cloud saves or verified features with your account.
Guest play. You can play without signing in. Progress may still be stored locally on your device (see below).
Game save data. Progress is stored on your device (browser local storage, or app storage) and synced to Firebase (Firestore) when you are signed in. It is game state you generate by playing.
Analytics. We use Google Analytics for Firebase to understand usage — onboarding funnels, rough progression timing, and similar. Events are aggregated and may include coarse flags such as guest vs signed-in. The app does not collect the device advertising ID.
Abuse prevention. Firebase App Check confirms requests come from a genuine copy of the app before our servers answer them. On the web this uses reCAPTCHA; in the app it uses Play Integrity (Android) or App Attest (iOS), which send device and app integrity signals to Google or Apple. It does not read your files or personal data.
Server features. Verified leaderboard submissions, cloud functions, and the feedback flow send data you explicitly trigger to Firebase (Firestore / Cloud Functions), as described in-game.
Purchases. Supporter-pack payments are handled by Stripe (web) or by Apple / Google Play and RevenueCat (app). We never see or store your card details. We do receive a purchase record tied to your account so we can grant the cosmetics and honor refunds.
Public handle (optional). If you choose a display name in Account → Profile, we store it in Firestore as your public handle. It can appear next to your verified leaderboard entry. Handles must be unique (case-insensitive). You can change it from the same screen; repeated renames are rate-limited to reduce abuse. The same identifier is reserved for possible future chat features.

Cookies and similar storage

On the web, the game and Firebase use cookies and local storage to keep you signed in, remember settings, measure basic analytics, and cache the game for offline / PWA use. The app uses equivalent local storage. Clearing site data or the app’s storage may sign you out and remove local saves.

Your analytics choice

Analytics is off by default until you (or a regional default) turns it on — no analytics request is made before that. In the EEA, UK, and Switzerland, analytics stays off until you actively choose to turn it on, shown as a short prompt after your first few minutes in the game. Everywhere else, it defaults on but you can turn it off at any time from Settings → Share anonymous gameplay data; that setting takes effect immediately and is remembered on this device. We never use analytics for ads, and no advertising identifiers are ever collected — the game shows no ads.

Third-party services

Aetherbound uses Google Firebase (Authentication, App Check, Firestore, Analytics, Cloud Functions, Hosting) and, for purchases, Stripe on the web and Apple, Google Play, and RevenueCat in the app. On Android the app also uses Google Play Integrity; on iOS, Apple App Attest. Fonts are bundled with the game. Each of these providers has its own privacy policy.

Children

Aetherbound is not directed at children under 13. Do not use the service if you are under the age required in your region without parental consent.

Your choices

You can play as a guest without an account. The Wipe save control in Settings deletes your local save and your cloud backup. To delete your account entirely, including your public handle and any purchase records, use the in-game feedback flow or email support@aetherbound.app.

Changes

We may update this policy when the app changes. The “Last updated” line will change; material changes may also be noted in patch notes.