Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to remember information about you. Pretty much every website uses them because they make the internet actually work the way you expect it to. This policy explains what cookies we use on Arcade Glitch Garden and what they do. Some of this is technical, but we'll try to keep it understandable.
Essential cookies keep the platform functional. These remember that you're logged in, maintain your session, and store security tokens. Without these, you'd have to log in every single time you clicked a link, which would be incredibly annoying. These cookies are necessary for the platform to work, so they're not optional.
Performance cookies help us understand how people use the site. They track things like which pages get visited most, where users encounter errors, and how long people spend on different sections. The data is aggregated and anonymized - we're looking at patterns, not tracking individuals. This helps us figure out what's working and what needs improvement.
Functional cookies remember your preferences. Things like your display settings, language choices, or which notices you've dismissed. These make the platform more convenient, but technically you could use the site without them - you'd just have to reset your preferences more often.
Some cookies come from services we use rather than from us directly. Payment processors set cookies to handle transactions securely. Analytics tools set cookies to track site usage. These third parties have their own privacy policies that govern how they handle data. We try to work with reputable companies, but ultimately we don't control their cookies.
We don't use advertising cookies currently because we're not running ads on the platform. If that changes in the future, we'll update this policy and probably give you more control over advertising-related tracking.
Besides cookies, we use browser local storage to cache certain data on your device. This speeds up the platform by reducing how often we need to fetch information from our servers. Game state might get temporarily stored locally, for instance, so if your connection drops briefly, you don't lose progress.
Session storage works similarly but clears when you close your browser. We use this for temporary data that doesn't need to persist. These technologies aren't technically cookies, but they serve similar purposes and fall under the same general privacy considerations.
Session cookies expire when you close your browser. These handle temporary stuff like keeping you logged in during a single session. Persistent cookies stick around for a set period - could be days, months, or even years depending on their purpose. Authentication cookies might last weeks so you don't have to log in constantly. Analytics cookies often persist for months to track long-term usage patterns.
You can see exactly how long specific cookies last by checking your browser's cookie manager. The duration is set when the cookie is created and depends on what that cookie needs to accomplish.
Your browser lets you control cookies through its settings. You can block all cookies, accept only certain ones, or delete existing cookies. Keep in mind that blocking essential cookies will break the platform's functionality. You won't be able to stay logged in or use most features.
Most browsers also offer "incognito" or "private" modes that don't save cookies between sessions. This provides more privacy but means you lose all the convenience that cookies provide. It's a trade-off between privacy and functionality.
If you want granular control, browser extensions exist that let you manage cookies on a per-site basis. These can be useful if you want to block tracking cookies while keeping functional ones. We don't recommend specific extensions because that seems like overreach, but they're out there if you want to research them.
Mobile browsers handle cookies similarly to desktop browsers, though the settings might be in different places. iOS and Android both let you control cookie behavior through browser settings. Mobile apps sometimes use different tracking mechanisms than cookies, but since our platform is web-based, standard cookie controls apply.
When we add new features or integrate new services, we might start using additional cookies. We'll update this policy when that happens. Significant changes will be announced through the usual channels - email notifications or platform messages.
Cookie technology itself evolves as browsers and privacy regulations change. What's standard practice today might be outdated in a few years. We adapt our cookie usage to align with current best practices and legal requirements.
Some browsers send "Do Not Track" signals to websites. There's no universal standard for how websites should respond to these signals, and honestly, many sites just ignore them. We respect the intent behind Do Not Track, but since we rely on certain tracking for essential functionality, we can't fully honor these signals without breaking the platform.
If privacy is a major concern for you, using browser privacy features in combination with cookie controls gives you more protection than Do Not Track signals alone.
Essential cookies operate under "legitimate interest" - they're necessary to provide the service you're requesting. Performance and functional cookies require your consent in most jurisdictions, which is why you might see cookie banners or notices when you first visit.
Different regions have different cookie laws. GDPR in Europe is pretty strict, while regulations in other places might be more relaxed. We try to comply with applicable laws wherever our users are located, though this gets complicated when laws conflict.
If you want more information about specific cookies we use, or if you have concerns about cookie tracking, contact us at contact@arcadeglitchgarden.com. We can provide a more detailed technical breakdown if needed, though this policy covers the essentials.
Your browser's developer tools also let you inspect cookies directly if you're technically inclined. You can see exactly what's being stored, when it expires, and which domain set it. This gives you complete transparency about cookie usage on any website, not just ours.
