1. Introduction
Welcome to What Was Lost, a 2-player cooperative adventure game operated by STAIM CORP. (“we,” “us,” or “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you play What Was Lost (the “Game”) and visit related websites.
By playing the Game, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not play the Game.
2. Information We Collect
What Was Lost is designed to minimize data collection. We do not require account creation; we rely on your existing Steam account.
2.1 Information Stored Locally on Your Device
The following data is stored on your device or in your Steam Cloud and is not transmitted to STAIM CORP. servers:
- Game progress, save files, and chapter completion
- Graphics, audio, control, and accessibility preferences
- Achievement and statistic state (synchronized via Steam)
2.2 Information from Steam
When the Game is launched, Steam provides limited data necessary for the Game to run:
- Your SteamID (a numeric identifier used for matchmaking and saves)
- Your Steam display name (shown to your co-op partner during a session)
- Steam ownership and entitlement verification
- Achievement and stats synchronization
Your underlying Steam account, payment details, email address, and friends list are governed by Valve Corporation under the Steam Privacy Policy.
2.3 Online Co-op Networking
During an online co-op session, the following information is transmitted between players (and routed through Steam Networking infrastructure):
- SteamIDs of both players (to establish the connection)
- In-game state (positions, inputs, puzzle state, voice chat if enabled)
- Network telemetry (latency, packet loss) used only to improve session quality
Online session data is not retained on our servers after the session ends, except in anonymized aggregate form for performance monitoring.
2.4 Analytics Data (Opt-In)
If you consent to analytics, we collect:
- Chapter and puzzle completion events
- Session duration and frequency
- Aggregate playtime per game area
- Hardware and OS information for compatibility (no unique identifiers)
Purpose: Improve game balance, pacing, and difficulty
Lawful Basis: Consent
2.5 Crash Reports (Opt-In)
If you consent to crash reporting, we collect:
- Error logs and stack traces
- Hardware specifications, GPU driver, and OS version
- Game state at the time of crash
Purpose: Diagnose and fix bugs
Lawful Basis: Consent
2.6 Website & Newsletter
If you visit staim.ai or sign up for game news, we may collect basic web analytics (page views, referrer, country) and the email address you submit. Newsletter emails are sent only if you opt in, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Provide and maintain the Game and its online co-op functionality
- Verify ownership and entitlement to the Game via Steam
- Diagnose technical issues and improve stability (with your consent)
- Improve game balance, design, and player experience (with your consent)
- Respond to support requests and player feedback
- Send optional newsletter updates if you have subscribed
We do not sell your personal data. We do not use your data for targeted advertising profiles.
4. Third-Party Services
We rely on the following third-party services to operate the Game and website:
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Valve / Steam | Distribution, ownership, cloud saves, achievements, networking | SteamID, ownership, save data |
| Steam Networking | Co-op matchmaking and session routing | SteamID, session telemetry |
| Sentry / Error Tracking | Crash reporting (opt-in) | Error logs, hardware info |
| Aggregated Analytics | Gameplay analytics (opt-in) | Anonymized event data |
| Email Provider | Newsletter delivery (opt-in) | Email address only |
Each third-party service is governed by its own privacy policy. We have selected providers that meet industry standards for data protection.
5. Data Retention
- Local & Cloud Save Data: Retained until you delete the save or remove the Game from Steam Cloud.
- Online Session Data: Discarded immediately after the co-op session ends.
- Analytics Data: Retained for up to 14 months, then deleted.
- Crash Reports: Retained for up to 90 days, then deleted.
- Newsletter Email: Retained until you unsubscribe.
- Steam Records: Maintained by Valve under their retention policy.
6. Your Rights
For All Players
- Opt out of analytics: Disable in Settings > Privacy at any time.
- Opt out of crash reporting: Disable in Settings > Privacy.
- Mute voice chat: Disable in Settings > Audio > Voice.
- Delete local data: Uninstall the Game and clear Steam Cloud saves.
- Newsletter: Unsubscribe via the link in any email.
Under GDPR (EU/UK Residents)
- Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data.
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
- Right to Object: Object to data processing.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw analytics or crash-reporting consent at any time.
Under CCPA / CPRA (California Residents)
- Right to Know: Request details of collected information.
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal data.
- Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal data, but you may still confirm this.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate for exercising your rights.
To exercise your rights, email [email protected] with the subject “Privacy Request.” We respond within 30 days.
7. Children's Privacy
What Was Lost is intended for players aged 13 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. Steam already enforces age and family-sharing restrictions at the account level.
- Voice chat is opt-in and can be disabled by parents in Game Settings or via Steam Family View.
- Parents/guardians may contact us to request deletion of any data associated with a child.
8. Security
We implement reasonable security measures, including:
- Secure transmission: All network traffic to third-party services is encrypted via HTTPS / TLS.
- Steam Networking encryption: Co-op session traffic is routed and encrypted by Steam.
- Minimal collection: We collect only what is needed to operate and improve the Game.
- Access controls: Internal access to any data is limited to authorized STAIM CORP. personnel.
No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. If we ever discover a data incident affecting you, we will notify you in accordance with applicable law.
9. International Transfers
STAIM CORP. operates from North America. If you consent to analytics or crash reporting, your data may be processed in the United States or other regions where our service providers operate. These transfers are protected by:
- EU-US Data Privacy Framework (where applicable)
- Standard Contractual Clauses
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via the Game's Steam page, in-game notice, or this website. Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
STAIM CORP.
Email: [email protected]