Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the platform to function properly:

• Session Cookies: Keep you logged in as you navigate the platform
• Authentication Tokens: Verify your identity and maintain secure sessions
• Security Cookies: Detect and prevent fraudulent activity

Analytics Cookies

We use analytics cookies to understand how users interact with Shader House:

• Page views and navigation patterns
• Feature usage and engagement metrics
• Error tracking and performance monitoring
• A/B testing for platform improvements

Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your settings and preferences:

• Audio mute preferences
• Theme and display settings
• Language preferences
• Filter and sort preferences

Advertising Cookies

We may use advertising cookies to show relevant content and measure campaign effectiveness:

• Track ad impressions and clicks
• Measure conversion rates
• Deliver personalized game recommendations

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services we use:

• Payment Processors: Stripe for secure payment processing
• Analytics Providers: To understand platform usage and performance
• Content Delivery Networks: To deliver content efficiently
• OAuth Providers: For social login functionality

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.

4. Cookie Duration

Cookies may be stored for different periods:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiration date or manual deletion
• Authentication Cookies: Typically last 30 days or until logout
• Preference Cookies: May persist for up to one year

5. Managing Cookies

You have several options to manage cookies:

Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored
• Delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (may affect functionality)

Platform Settings

You can manage some cookie preferences in your Shader House account settings, including:

• Analytics tracking opt-out
• Personalized recommendations
• Marketing communications

Do Not Track

Some browsers offer "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. We respect DNT signals for non-essential tracking where technically feasible.

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect your experience:

• You may not be able to stay logged in
• Preferences and settings won't be saved
• Some features may not work properly
• We won't remember your consent choices

7. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage for:

• Caching game data for faster loading
• Storing temporary game state
• Saving draft content (reviews, comments)
• Maintaining UI preferences

Local storage can be cleared through your browser settings.

8. Updates to Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. We'll notify you of significant changes through the platform.

9. Contact Us

For questions about our use of cookies, please contact us through our support channels or at privacy@shaderhouse.com.