Version scope
This policy describes Dockside Defense versions that use Black Thorn Labs' online services, including TestFlight 0.1.2 (16). Features can differ between the current public App Store version and newer TestFlight versions.
1. Who we are
Dockside Defense is published by Black Thorn Labs LLC. This policy applies to the game and related support. Contact durian@blackthornlabsgames.com.
2. Local and online gameplay information
On your device
The game keeps local gameplay saves, progression, virtual currency, unlocked items, timers, graphics and gameplay settings, and notification preferences. Online features also send the records described below to our service; a local save does not mean all gameplay information stays on the phone.
Pseudonymous online account
A random installation identifier is used to create a persistent pseudonymous account without manual registration or a password. Our Render-hosted backend stores a one-way hash of the installation identifier, an internal player ID, hashed session tokens, a server-generated public CAPTAIN alias, total score, and timestamps. The current client does not send a player-entered public name.
Teams, scores and PvP
Online records include teams, invite codes, ownership and membership with join times; minigame run identifiers, game, score, elapsed time, week and submission time; weekly claim receipts and rewards; global and progress standings; published fortress and loadout snapshots and revisions; matchmaking tickets and opponent pairings; PvP points, wins and losses; and battle outcome, submission and settlement records.
Other players can see the applicable public alias, score or rank, team relationship, and published fortress snapshot. Do not treat published gameplay information as private.
3. Ads, purchases, notifications and support
Optional rewarded advertising
Rewarded ads are optional. Unity LevelPlay and the network that serves an ad may process IP address, device or advertising identifiers, app/device information, ad delivery and interaction data, approximate country or location inferred from IP address, consent choices, and fraud/security signals. Where tracking as defined by Apple occurs, Dockside requests App Tracking Transparency permission before accessing IDFA or linking app data with third-party data. Denying tracking permission does not prevent core gameplay, although an ad may not always be available.
Advertising uses Unity LevelPlay/Unity Ads; the serving network may vary with the build and advertising configuration. Learn more in Unity's game player and app user privacy policy. Availability and rewards may vary.
Apple purchases
Apple processes payment credentials and billing. Dockside may receive limited StoreKit product, localized price, transaction status/identifier, and delivery information needed to offer and fulfill a purchase. Black Thorn Labs does not receive full payment card details. Purchase availability can differ by version.
Notifications and support
If permitted, the game can schedule local iPhone reminders. Change notification permission in iOS Settings. If you contact support, we receive the email address, device details, screenshots and other information you choose to send. Do not send credentials or unnecessary private information.
4. Why information is used and shared
We use information to provide gameplay and online accounts, maintain teams and standings, process runs and weekly claims, publish fortress snapshots, match and settle PvP battles, deliver virtual items, prevent abuse, investigate problems, provide optional ads, respond to support, and meet platform and legal obligations.
Render hosts our online backend. Unity and the network serving an ad process advertising information. Apple provides App Store and StoreKit services. Providers may process information outside your country under their policies and applicable safeguards. We may disclose information when required by law or reasonably necessary to protect users, the game, or our legal rights.
We do not sell personal information for money. Depending on the region and advertising configuration, some advertising disclosures may be considered sale, sharing or targeted advertising under privacy law.
5. Retention and security
We keep active account and gameplay records while needed to provide the online service, maintain security and integrity, and meet legal obligations. Some information may remain temporarily in restricted disaster-recovery backups or security logs and is not used for ordinary gameplay. Contact us with retention questions. A specific backup or log deletion schedule is not confirmed in this policy.
Local data remains until reset, overwritten or removed. Device or iCloud backups may retain a copy depending on your Apple settings. Service providers control information they process under their policies. We use reasonable safeguards, but no storage or transmission method is completely secure.
6. Account and data deletion
Applicable build: The in-app control described here is included in TestFlight 0.1.2 (16). Its presence in TestFlight is not a claim that it is available in the older public App Store build.
Dockside Defense provides an in-app control in Settings to request deletion of your Dockside online account and associated gameplay data controlled by Black Thorn Labs LLC. The request is authenticated and processed by our production service. Deletion covers the account's sessions and Dockside gameplay records, including player progress, team membership, claims, competitive profiles, fortresses, and matches associated with the account. If the account owns a team that still has members, ownership may be transferred to another member so the team can continue; an empty team may be removed. After deletion, the prior account credentials can no longer access the deleted account, and using the app again may create a new account. Information maintained by service providers, or information we must retain for security, fraud prevention, legal compliance, backup integrity, or dispute resolution, may be retained for the period required for those purposes and handled under the applicable provider terms.
Deleting or resetting local app data is separate from requesting online account deletion. Deletion does not cancel or refund an Apple purchase. Contact durian@blackthornlabsgames.com for privacy or deletion assistance.
Your choices
- Do not start a rewarded ad if you do not want to use that feature.
- Use the consent choices presented in the app and the privacy controls in iOS.
- Manage notifications through iOS Settings.
- Contact us for access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability or objection where applicable.
7. Children and changes
Dockside Defense is not directed to children under 13. We will update this policy and its date as the game, providers or data practices change.