Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ShelNova Labs Ltd. ("ShelNova Labs", "we", "our", or "us") develops and operates WordNova: Connect Words, Discover Worlds("WordNova" or "the Game"), available on Android and iOS devices. This Privacy Policy outlines what information we collect when you play WordNova, how that information is utilized, and the privacy controls available to you.

By downloading, installing, or playing WordNova, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please uninstall and discontinue use of the Game.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Gameplay Progress & Save Data

To ensure your game state persists across sessions, WordNova stores your local gameplay progress on your device, including:

• Completed campaign levels across all 9 cosmic regions (Home Orbit through Genesis Singularity)
• Discovered Star Link connections, word completions, and level star ratings (1 to 3 stars)
• Stardust balance, mistake shields, overdrive time freeze boosts, and hint inventory
• Milestone crate unlock statuses, Daily Cosmic Well claims, and high score records

2.2 Leaderboards & Online Features

If you participate in WordNova's global or regional leaderboards:

• You may choose an optional in-game player Callsign / Display Name
• An anonymous Firebase Authentication user identifier is assigned to associate your score records
• Total stars earned, high scores, and region completion records are submitted to our secure cloud database

2.3 Device & Technical Diagnostics

We collect non-personal technical telemetry to detect crashes and maintain smooth 60 FPS performance across diverse mobile hardware. This includes device model, operating system version, screen resolution, GPU profile, and crash logs via Firebase Crashlytics. We do not access your contacts, camera, microphone, photos, or precise GPS location.

2.4 Advertising Identifiers & Consent Data

WordNova is supported by advertisements through Google AdMob. Google AdMob may collect your device's advertising identifier (Google Advertising ID / GAID on Android or IDFA on iOS), coarse IP address (to determine country/region for regulatory compliance), and ad interaction telemetry.

We implement the Google User Messaging Platform (UMP) SDK to ensure compliance with European privacy laws (GDPR/ePrivacy) and applicable US state privacy regulations. Players in eligible jurisdictions can configure their personalized or non-personalized ad consent choices when launching the game.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To save and resume your puzzle state, unlock constellations, and track campaign achievements
• To display global and regional leaderboard rankings among WordNova players
• To deliver rewarded video advertisements when requested (e.g. Overdrive boost, Shield boost, Cosmic Crates)
• To display non-intrusive banner and inter-level transition ads
• To diagnose engine anomalies, memory usage, and game crash events
• To verify optional in-app purchase receipts (such as "No Ads") via Google Play Billing

We never sell, rent, or monetize your personal data. We do not build cross-app behavioral tracking profiles outside of standard Google AdMob monetization.

4. Data Storage & Security

Your primary gameplay progress is saved locally in encrypted application storage on your mobile device. When syncing leaderboard scores, data is transmitted over secure HTTPS/TLS 1.3 connections and stored in Google Cloud Firestore.

Server-side Firestore security rules ensure that players can only modify their own score entries and cannot access or manipulate the records of other players.

5. Third-Party Service Providers

WordNova integrates reliable third-party SDKs to power leaderboards, ads, and diagnostics:

6. Children's Privacy (COPPA & GDPR-K)

WordNova is an all-ages casual word game suitable for families and puzzle enthusiasts. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from children under 13 (or under 16 in the EEA/UK).

Advertising served in WordNova adheres to Google Play Families Policy guidelines. If a parent or guardian discovers that their child has provided personal information or an inappropriate callsign without consent, please email us at hello@shelnovalabs.com and we will promptly delete the data from our leaderboard databases.

7. In-Game Monetization & Ad Transparency

WordNova utilizes a player-first monetization model designed to prevent intrusive gameplay interruptions:

• Rewarded Ads: Always 100% voluntary. You choose when to watch an ad to earn in-game Stardust, time freezes, or mistake shields.
• Top Banners: Positioned outside the active puzzle grid to avoid accidental taps or visual disruption.
• Inter-Level Transitions: Subject to pacing rules and frequency caps, never triggering mid-puzzle.
• Remove Ads Purchase:Players who purchase "No Ads" permanently disable all banner and interstitial ads while retaining optional rewarded boosts.

8. Your Rights & Data Deletion

You retain full control over your data:

• Reset Local Progress: You can reset your campaign progress, stars, and local save files anytime through the in-game Settings menu.
• Cloud Score Deletion: To delete your callsign and associated scores from our Firebase leaderboards, email hello@shelnovalabs.com with your player callsign.
• Advertising Preferences: You can reset your advertising identifier or opt out of personalized ads at any time via your device settings (Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Delete advertising ID; iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking).

9. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new game features, ad network requirements, or legal compliance mandates. Revisions will be published on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued play of WordNova constitutes acceptance of any modifications.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions, suggestions, or data privacy requests regarding WordNova, please contact our legal and support team: