Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Game Design Academy LLC ("Game Design Academy," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information in connection with Pixel Game Lab (the "Service"), our game-design creation app. Because Pixel Game Lab is used by children, including children under the age of 13, we have designed this policy to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and to collect as little personal information as possible.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information needed to run the Service:

• Account information. For students enrolled through a school or program, we store a username (in the format firstname.lastname), a class code, and a password created by an administrator or teacher. For personal subscriber accounts, we store a username, email address, and password.
• Creations and content. Concept art, pixel art, levels, and games that a user makes within the Service, along with related project metadata.
• Limited technical data. Basic information needed to keep accounts secure and the Service working, such as authentication session data.

We do not require students to provide an email address, phone number, or any personal details beyond what an authorized administrator or teacher enters to set up their account.

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service;
• Save, display, and let users return to their creations;
• Allow teachers and administrators to manage classes, assign tasks, and review student work;
• Keep accounts secure and prevent misuse of the Service.

We do not use children's information for advertising, behavioral profiling, or any purpose unrelated to operating the Service.

4. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

Pixel Game Lab is intended to be used by children under the direction of a parent, teacher, or program administrator. We do not allow children to publicly sign up on their own. Student accounts are created only by an authorized administrator or teacher.

Parental consent. Verifiable parental consent is obtained at the time of booking or enrollment in a Game Design Academy program, before a student account is created and used. Schools and programs that enroll students confirm they have the authority to consent on behalf of parents where applicable.

Data minimization. We intentionally collect the smallest amount of information necessary for a child to use the Service, and we do not condition participation on a child disclosing more information than is reasonably necessary.

No third-party advertising or tracking. We do not serve advertisements, and we do not allow third-party advertising networks or behavioral tracking technologies within the children's experience.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We do not share children's information with advertisers. We share information only:

• With service providers who help us operate the Service (for example, secure hosting and database providers, and a payment processor for paid subscriptions), under agreements that limit their use of the information to providing services to us;
• With the school, teacher, or program administrator responsible for a student's account;
• When required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or Game Design Academy LLC.

6. Data Retention

We retain account information and creations for as long as the account is active or as needed to provide the Service. When an account is removed, we delete or anonymize the associated personal information within a reasonable period, except where we must retain it to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes. Parents and administrators may request deletion at any time (see Parental Rights below).

7. Parental Rights

Parents and legal guardians have the right to review the personal information we have collected from their child, to request that we delete it, and to refuse to permit further collection or use of their child's information. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in the Contact section below, and we will respond after verifying the request. You may also contact your child's school or program administrator.

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, including encrypted connections and access controls. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect information consistent with industry standards.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to review or delete a child's information, contact:

Game Design Academy LLC
Email: privacy@gamedesignacademy.com