Privacy Policy

Last updated: 4 February 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when you use the Hearthbound website, forums, and related services.

Hearthbound is a text-based roleplay project built around the game Hytale and is operated by Qualworks Ltd.

2. Who We Are

Hearthbound is operated by Qualworks Ltd, a company incorporated in Scotland.

Company number: SC829401

Registered office: Clyde Offices, 2nd Floor, 48 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 1BP

For the purposes of UK data protection law, Qualworks Ltd is the data controller.

3. What Information We Collect

a) Information You Provide

  • Username and account details
  • Email address
  • Forum posts and roleplay content
  • Images or artwork you upload
  • Voluntary profile information

b) Information Collected Automatically

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device data
  • Access timestamps
  • Pages visited and actions taken

4. How We Use Your Information

  • Manage accounts & authentication
  • Content moderation & rule enforcement
  • Service-related communication
  • Improve site stability and UX
  • Prevent abuse and fraud

We do NOT sell your personal data.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

Contractual necessity: To provide your account and forum access.

Legitimate interests: Platform security, moderation, and site improvement.

Consent: Where you have explicitly opted in.

6. User-Generated Content

Content you post may be publicly visible. Please avoid sharing sensitive personal information in public forum areas.

7. Payments

Payments are handled via third-party providers. We do not store full card details. We only receive limited transaction data (amount, currency, and confirmation) for access-control.

8. Third-Party Services

We use services like Discord and Hytale. These process data under their own privacy policies.

9. Cookies

We use cookies for login sessions and site stability. Control these via your browser settings.

10. Data Retention

Personal data is kept only as long as needed. Roleplay content may be retained after account closure.

11. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect data, though no online service is 100% secure.

12. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you can request access, correction, or deletion of your data.

13. International Users

Data may be processed in the UK or by international third-party providers.

14. Children

Hearthbound is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

15. Changes to This Policy

Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.

16. Contact

Hearthbound | Qualworks Ltd