Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using RetroChallenges, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and RetroChallenges.

If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our Service. Your continued use of the Service after any changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

2. Description of Service

2.1 What RetroChallenges Provides

RetroChallenges is a desktop application that:

• Provides a platform for creating and tracking gaming challenges in retro video games
• Integrates with BizHawk emulator for automated progress tracking
• Offers community features through Discord integration
• Provides Lua scripting capabilities for custom challenge creation
• Maintains a website with guides, documentation, and community resources

2.2 What RetroChallenges Does NOT Provide

RetroChallenges does not and will never:

• Distribute ROM files or any copyrighted game content
• Provide access to copyrighted games or software
• Host or store game files on our servers
• Endorse or facilitate piracy or copyright infringement

3. User Responsibilities

3.1 Legal Game Ownership

You are solely responsible for ensuring that you own legal copies of any games you play through RetroChallenges. You must:

• Only use ROM files from games you legally own
• Comply with all applicable copyright laws in your jurisdiction
• Not distribute or share copyrighted game content
• Respect the intellectual property rights of game publishers and developers

3.2 Account Security

When using our authentication services, you must:

• Provide accurate and complete information during registration
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account

3.3 Acceptable Use

You agree to use RetroChallenges only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You may not:

• Use the Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers connected to the Service
• Use automated systems to access the Service without permission
• Create challenges that promote violence, hate speech, or illegal activities
• Share inappropriate or offensive content in our community spaces

4. Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 RetroChallenges Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of RetroChallenges and its licensors. The Service is protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.

4.2 Third-Party Intellectual Property

RetroChallenges respects the intellectual property rights of others. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by:

• Nintendo, Konami, or any other game publishers
• Console manufacturers (Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft)
• Any third-party software developers or publishers

4.3 User-Generated Content

When you create and share challenges, scripts, or other content through RetroChallenges:

• You retain ownership of your original content
• You grant us a license to use, display, and distribute your content as part of the Service
• You represent that your content does not infringe on any third-party rights
• You agree not to claim ownership of challenges created by others

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Google Services

RetroChallenges uses Google OAuth 2.0 for authentication. Your use of Google services is subject to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

5.2 Discord Integration

Our community features integrate with Discord. Your participation in our Discord server is subject to Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

5.3 GitHub Integration

Our open-source components are hosted on GitHub. Your use of GitHub features is subject to GitHub's Terms of Service.

5.4 BizHawk Emulator

RetroChallenges integrates with BizHawk emulator. Your use of BizHawk is subject to BizHawk's license terms and applicable laws.

6. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

7. Service Availability and Modifications

7.1 Service Availability

We strive to maintain high service availability, but we do not guarantee that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free. We may experience downtime for maintenance, updates, or technical issues.

7.2 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify or discontinue the Service (or any part thereof) with or without notice
• Update features, functionality, or user interface
• Change system requirements or compatibility
• Implement new policies or procedures

7.3 Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach the Terms.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 Service Disclaimer

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. RETROCHALLENGES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

8.2 Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL RETROCHALLENGES, NOR ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, PARTNERS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, OR AFFILIATES, BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

8.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any damages arising from or related to these Terms or the Service shall not exceed the amount you paid us for the Service in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or one hundred dollars ($100), whichever is greater.

9. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless RetroChallenges and its licensee and licensors, and their employees, contractors, agents, officers and directors, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees).

This indemnification obligation will survive these Terms and your use of the Service.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be interpreted and governed by the laws of the United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

10.3 Jurisdiction

You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the United States.

11. Age Restrictions

RetroChallenges is not intended for children under 13 years of age. By using our Service, you represent and warrant that you are at least 13 years old.

If you are between 13 and 18 years old, you must have parental consent to use our Service. Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children's use of the Service.

12. Compliance with Laws

You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction when using RetroChallenges. This includes:

• Copyright and intellectual property laws
• Data protection and privacy regulations
• Export control laws and regulations
• Any other applicable local, state, national, or international laws

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in effect.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will try to provide at least 30 days notice prior to any new terms taking effect.

What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use our Service after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.