By installing this app, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy listed below.

Last updated: November 18, 2024

This End User License Agreement ("EULA") combines our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. By installing and playing QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate, you agree to be bound by this EULA.

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Last updated: November 18, 2024

By accessing, downloading, or playing QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate ("the Game"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Game.
The Game is operated by RoboForgeStudios, Individual Entrepreneur registered in Kazakhstan ("we," "us," or "our").

QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate is a four-player simultaneous chess game featuring:

• Simultaneous moves - All players move at the same time
  
• Fog of War - Limited visibility adds strategic depth
  
• Cooldown-based piece movement - Each piece has unique cooldown timers (1s-20s)
  
• 14×14 board - Larger battlefield for 4 players
  
• Hybrid chess pieces - Advanced pieces (Marshal, Sentinel, Amazon, etc.)
  
• FIDE-based 4-player rating system - Competitive rankings and titles
  
• Match replays - Review any match from your history (Lichess-style)
  
• In-game chat - Communicate with emojis and quick messages
  
• Cross-platform multiplayer - Steam, Web, Android, iOS (when available)

3.1 Current Availability
The Game is currently available on:

• ✅ Steam (Windows PC) - Available now

3.2 Coming Soon

• 🔜 Web Browser version
  
• 🔜 Android (Google Play)
  
• 🔜 iOS (App Store)
  
• 🔜 macOS & Linux desktop versions

Platform-specific terms (Steam Subscriber Agreement, Google Play ToS, Apple ToS) also apply when using the Game on those platforms.

4.1 Account Registration
To play QuadKings, you must:

• Be at least 13 years old (USA) or 16 years old (EU) or legal digital age in your jurisdiction
  
• Provide accurate registration information (username, email if required)
  
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
  
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
  
• Use only one account per person (multiple accounts are prohibited)

4.2 Account Security
You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. Notify us immediately at support@4chess.org if you suspect unauthorized access.

4.3 Account Termination
We may suspend or permanently ban your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our Code of Conduct
  
• Use cheats, bots, hacks, or unauthorized third-party software
  
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other players
  
• Manipulate ratings or rankings through collusion
  
• Create multiple accounts (smurfing)
  
• Share or sell your account
  
• Engage in fraudulent activity

5.1 Prohibited Behavior
You must NOT:

• 🚫 Cheat: Use bots, engine assistance, exploits, or unauthorized tools
  
• 🚫 Harass: Engage in hate speech, bullying, threats, or toxic behavior
  
• 🚫 Spam: Send unwanted messages, advertisements, or repetitive chat
  
• 🚫 Impersonate: Pretend to be another player, moderator, or staff member
  
• 🚫 Manipulate ratings: Intentionally lose games, collude, or rating farm
  
• 🚫 Exploit bugs: Abuse glitches for unfair advantage (report them instead!)
  
• 🚫 Reverse engineer: Decompile, modify, or extract game code
  
• 🚫 Sell accounts: Account trading or selling is strictly prohibited

5.2 Fair Play
QuadKings is a competitive skill-based game. All players must compete fairly and honestly.

• Use of chess engines or AI assistance is strictly prohibited
  
• We use anti-cheat systems and statistical analysis to detect violations
  
• First offense: Warning or temporary ban
  
• Repeated violations: Permanent ban

5.3 Chat and Communication
In-game chat must be respectful and appropriate:

• No offensive language, slurs, or discriminatory comments
  
• No threats, doxxing, or personal attacks
  
• No spam or advertising
  
• Use emoji reactions appropriately

Violations: Chat restrictions (mute), temporary ban, or permanent ban depending on severity.

6.1 Ownership
All Game content is owned by RoboForgeStudios or licensed to us, including:

• QuadKings name, logo, and trademarks
  
• Chess piece designs (classic and hybrid pieces)
  
• Board graphics, UI, and visual assets
  
• Software code, algorithms, and game mechanics
  
• Audio, sound effects, and music
  
• Fog of war system and cooldown mechanics

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or create derivative works without written permission.

6.2 User Content and Replays
Match replays: Similar to Lichess, all matches are recorded and can be viewed/shared.

• You grant us a license to store and display your match replays
  
• You may share replay links for educational or entertainment purposes
  
• Replays are considered part of the Game's public record
  
• Streamers may broadcast their gameplay (attribution appreciated!)

6.3 User-Generated Content
By submitting content (username, profile picture, chat messages), you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content within the Game and promotional materials.

7.1 Current Status
QuadKings is currently 100% free-to-play. Core gameplay features are available to all players at no cost.

7.2 Future Monetization (Coming Soon)
We may introduce optional purchases in the future, such as:

• Cosmetic items (board themes, piece skins)
  
• Profile customization (avatars, titles, badges)
  
• Premium features (advanced statistics, extended replay storage)

Important: Core gameplay will always remain free. No pay-to-win mechanics. Purchases are cosmetic or convenience only.

7.3 Purchase Terms and Refund Policy
All purchases are processed through Paddle.com ("Paddle"), our authorized payment processor. Refunds are available in accordance with Paddle's refund policy. Paddle's standard refund policy allows refunds within 14 days of purchase for digital products. Please contact Paddle support or us at support@4chess.org to request a refund.

• Virtual items have no real-world monetary value
  
• Prices may change without notice
  
• We may revoke access to purchased content if you violate these Terms
  
• Purchases are tied to your account and non-transferable

Refund Requests: To request a refund, please contact Paddle support directly or reach out to us at support@4chess.org. Refunds will be processed according to Paddle's standard refund policy.

8.1 Match Replays
Similar to Lichess.org, all matches are automatically recorded:

• Replays can be viewed anytime in your match history
  
• Replays show all moves from all 4 players (no fog of war in replay)
  
• You can share replay links with others
  
• Replays are stored indefinitely (subject to our data retention policy)
  
• You can request deletion of specific replays via privacy@4chess.org

8.2 Rating System
We use a FIDE-inspired rating system adapted for 4-player simultaneous chess:

• Starting rating: 1200 (Beginner)
  
• Rating changes based on match outcome and opponents' ratings
  
• Titles earned: Beginner → Amateur → Expert → Master → Grandmaster
  
• Leaderboards are public and reset seasonally (when ranked seasons are introduced)

8.3 Chat System
Chat modes available:

• Full: Send text messages and emojis
  
• Emoji only: Quick reactions (smile, etc.)
  
• Off: No chat interaction

Chat messages are moderated. Abuse will result in restrictions or bans.

9.1 Prohibited Tools
The following are strictly prohibited:

• Chess engines (Stockfish, Komodo, etc.)
  
• AI assistants or move calculators
  
• Automated bots or scripts
  
• Memory editors or game modifiers
  
• Network manipulation tools
  
• Exploits or glitches for unfair advantage

9.2 Detection and Enforcement
We use multiple anti-cheat systems:

• Statistical analysis of move patterns and timing
  
• Automated detection of suspicious behavior
  
• Player reports and manual review
  
• Client-side integrity checks

9.3 Penalties

• First offense: Warning + rating reset
  
• Second offense: 30-day ban
  
• Third offense or severe violations: Permanent ban
  
• Appeals: Can be submitted to support@4chess.org within 14 days

We reserve the right to:

• Update, modify, or discontinue the Game or any features at any time
  
• Change piece cooldowns, game balance, or mechanics
  
• Add or remove chess pieces (classic or hybrid)
  
• Modify the rating system or reset ratings if necessary
  
• Perform scheduled maintenance (with advance notice when possible)
  
• Add new platforms (Android, iOS, Web)

We will notify players of significant changes via in-game notifications, email, or Discord announcements.

11.1 "As Is" Service
The Game is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted, error-free, or secure access
  
• Specific matchmaking times or opponent availability
  
• Preservation of ratings, ranks, or match history indefinitely
  
• Compatibility with all devices or platforms
  
• That the Game will meet your expectations

11.2 Connection Requirements
QuadKings is an online multiplayer game requiring stable internet connection. We are not responsible for disconnections, lag, or connection issues on your end.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RoboForgeStudios and its affiliates shall NOT be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
  
• Loss of data, ratings, rankings, or virtual items
  
• Service interruptions, downtime, or technical issues
  
• Actions or behavior of other players
  
• Unauthorized access to your account due to your negligence
  
• Decisions made by automated anti-cheat systems (subject to appeal)

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months prior to the claim. Since the game is currently free, this means zero monetary liability.

13.1 Steam
When playing via Steam, you are also subject to the Steam Subscriber Agreement.

13.2 Mobile Platforms (Coming Soon)
When available, mobile versions will also be subject to:

• Android: Google Play Terms of Service
  
• iOS: Apple App Store Terms and Conditions

14.1 Contact First
If you have a dispute, please contact us first at support@4chess.org. We commit to resolving issues in good faith.

14.2 Informal Resolution
Most disputes can be resolved through customer support. We aim to respond within 7 business days.

14.3 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Estonia. Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms shall be resolved in accordance with Estonian law.
Note: The choice of Estonian jurisdiction is standard practice for international software services and ensures clear legal framework for all users worldwide.

We may update these Terms at any time. Significant changes will be announced via:

• In-game notification when you next log in
  
• Email notification (if you provided an email)
  
• Discord announcement
  
• Website banner

Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Game.

For questions, support, or legal inquiries:
RoboForgeStudios
Individual Entrepreneur registered in Kazakhstan
Legal & Compliance: legal@4chess.org
General Support: support@4chess.org
Discord Community: discord.gg/TZTp4XC4
Website: 4chess.org

QuadKings Development Team
RoboForgeStudios

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and RoboForgeStudios regarding the Game and supersede all prior agreements.

By creating an account and playing QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate, you acknowledge that you have:

• Read and understood these Terms of Service
  
• Read and understood our Privacy Policy
  
• Agreed to be bound by both documents
  
• Confirmed you meet the minimum age requirement
  
• Agreed to fair play and respectful behavior

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Last updated: November 18, 2024

Welcome to QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate ("we," "our," or "us"), developed by RoboForgeStudios. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you play our four-player simultaneous chess game (the "Game") via Steam, mobile applications, web browser, or other platforms.
RoboForgeStudios is an Individual Entrepreneur registered in Kazakhstan. We operate globally and are committed to protecting user privacy in accordance with international standards, including GDPR.
By using QuadKings, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2.1 Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:

• Username or display name
  
• Email address (if provided)
  
• Password (encrypted and hashed)
  
• Steam ID (if playing via Steam)
  
• Profile picture (optional)
  
• Country/region (optional)

2.2 Game Data
During gameplay, we collect:

• Game moves and match history - All moves made during matches
  
• Match recordings - Complete game replays for history review (similar to Lichess)
  
• Player rankings and ratings - FIDE-based 4-player rating system
  
• Game statistics - Win/loss ratio, average game time, performance metrics
  
• In-game achievements and titles - Beginner, Amateur, Expert, Master, Grandmaster
  
• Fog of war visibility data - What areas you could see during matches

2.3 Communication Data

• In-game chat messages - Text chat, emojis (smile, reactions), and quick messages
  
• Chat settings - Your preferences (on/off/full mode)
  
• Support tickets - Customer service communications
  
• Community interactions - Forum posts, Discord messages (on our server)

Note: We do not record voice or video. Only text-based communication is stored.

2.4 Technical Information
We automatically collect:

• IP address and device identifiers (for security and matchmaking)
  
• Browser type and version (for web version)
  
• Operating system and platform (Windows, Android, iOS, Web)
  
• Connection quality and latency data (for optimal matchmaking)
  
• Crash reports and error logs (to improve stability)
  
• Hardware specifications (for performance optimization)

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Game services across all platforms (Steam, Android, iOS, Web)
  
• Facilitate matchmaking between players based on rating and connection quality
  
• Calculate and display player rankings and leaderboards (FIDE-based 4-player system)
  
• Enable fog of war mechanics and real-time multiplayer synchronization
  
• Store and provide access to match replays and game history
  
• Moderate in-game chat and prevent abuse
  
• Prevent cheating, hacking, and unauthorized access
  
• Analyze game balance and improve gameplay mechanics
  
• Send important game updates, patch notes, and security notifications
  
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
  
• Improve user experience and fix bugs
  
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

4.1 Public Information
The following information is publicly visible to all players:

• Username and profile picture
  
• Player rating, rank, and title (e.g., "Grandmaster")
  
• Match history and game statistics (wins, losses, draws)
  
• Achievements and titles earned
  
• Leaderboard position (global and regional)
  
• Game replays (if you choose to share them)

Important: Do not use personally identifiable information (real name, address, etc.) as your username, as it will be publicly visible.

4.2 Third-Party Services
We may share limited data with trusted third-party service providers:

• Hosting providers (e.g., Render.com, Fly.io, Cloudflare) - For server infrastructure
  
• Steam Platform - If you play via Steam (subject to Steam Privacy Policy)
  
• Google Play / App Store - For mobile versions (when available)
  
• Analytics services - Aggregated usage statistics only (no personal data)
  
• Anti-cheat services - To detect and prevent cheating

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety of our users and prevent fraud or abuse.

5.1 Where We Store Data
Your data is stored on secure cloud servers. Data may be processed and stored in various locations to provide optimal performance and availability.

5.2 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission (HTTPS)
  
• Encrypted password storage (bcrypt/argon2 hashing)
  
• Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning
  
• Access controls and multi-factor authentication for staff
  
• Automated backup systems with encryption
  
• DDoS protection and firewall systems

5.3 Data Retention
We retain your data for the following periods:

• Account data: Until you delete your account + 30 days
  
• Match history and replays: Indefinitely (or until you request deletion)
  
• Chat messages: 90 days (for moderation purposes)
  
• Technical logs: 30 days
  
• Banned accounts: Permanent records for anti-cheat purposes

Security Notice: While we use industry-standard security measures, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of all your personal data we hold
  
• Right to Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate information
  
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request deletion of your account and associated data
  
• Right to Data Portability: Export your game data, match history, and statistics in a machine-readable format
  
• Right to Object: Opt-out of certain data processing activities
  
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
  
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke previously given permissions at any time

How to Exercise Your Rights:
Contact us at: privacy@4chess.org
We will respond to your request within 30 days (as required by GDPR).

The Game is rated for general audiences but requires online interaction. We comply with children's privacy laws:

• Minimum age: 13 years old (USA - COPPA requirement)
  
• EU users: 16 years old (or age of digital consent in your country)
  
• Parental consent: Required for users under the minimum age

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the applicable age. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data without parental consent, please contact us immediately at privacy@4chess.org.
For Parents: You can request deletion of your child's account and data at any time.

We use cookies and similar technologies:

Essential Cookies (Required):

• Authentication tokens - Keep you logged in
  
• Session management - Maintain your game state
  
• Security cookies - Prevent CSRF attacks

Functional Cookies (Optional):

• Language preference - Remember your selected language
  
• Game settings - Board theme, sound preferences, etc.
  
• Chat preferences - Remember on/off/full mode selection

Analytics Cookies (Optional):

• Usage analytics - Understand how players use the game (aggregated data only)
  
• Performance monitoring - Track loading times and errors

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may prevent the Game from functioning properly.

QuadKings is a global game. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including:

• United States (server infrastructure)
  
• European Union (GDPR-compliant hosting)
  
• Other regions as necessary for optimal performance

We ensure that any international data transfers comply with applicable laws, including GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions.

Similar to Lichess.org: All matches are recorded and can be replayed by any player who participated.

• Match replays are stored indefinitely and can be viewed in your match history
  
• Game moves are public to all players in the match
  
• Replay sharing: You can share replay links with others
  
• Public leaderboards: Your username, rating, and rank are publicly visible

Note: If you want replays of your matches deleted, contact us. However, other players in those matches may still have access to their copy of the replay.

To maintain a safe and respectful community, we:

• Store chat messages for up to 90 days for moderation purposes
  
• Use automated systems to detect offensive language and abuse
  
• Human moderators may review reported chat messages
  
• Violating our Code of Conduct may result in chat restrictions or bans

Chat modes available: On (full chat), Off (disabled), Emojis only (smile/reactions)

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.
We will notify you of significant changes via:

• Email notification (if you provided an email)
  
• In-game notification when you next log in
  
• Announcement on our website and Discord server

Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:
RoboForgeStudios
Individual Entrepreneur registered in Kazakhstan
Privacy Officer: privacy@4chess.org
General Support: support@4chess.org
Discord Community: discord.gg/TZTp4XC4
We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 30 days.

For EU users, we process your data based on:

• ✅ Contract performance: To provide the Game service you signed up for
  
• ✅ Legitimate interests: To improve the Game, prevent fraud, and ensure security
  
• ✅ Consent: For optional features like analytics (you can withdraw anytime)
  
• ✅ Legal obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations