Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Welcome to Stephen Harlow's browser games platform. By accessing or using our services at stephenharlow.com and games.stephenharlow.com (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). Please read them carefully.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Service, you confirm that you:

  • Are at least 13 years of age
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
  • Agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Accept our Privacy Policy

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

The Service provides free browser-based games including card games, word games, and arcade games. Features include:

  • Single-player games against AI opponents
  • Real-time multiplayer games with other users
  • Hot seat (local) multiplayer on a single device
  • Optional account creation via Google Sign-In
  • League rankings and statistics tracking for registered users
  • Spectator mode for watching games

The Service is provided free of charge. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Service at any time.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Requirement

You must sign in with Google to use the Service. This allows us to track your game statistics, maintain league rankings, and provide features like turn notifications.

3.2 Google Sign-In

When you sign in with Google:

  • We receive your email address, display name, and profile picture from Google
  • Your account is linked to your Google account
  • You are responsible for maintaining the security of your Google account
  • You may only create one account per person

3.3 Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the account settings. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

4. User Conduct

When using the Service, you agree not to:

  • Use automated tools, bots, or scripts to play games or manipulate rankings
  • Intentionally exploit bugs or glitches to gain unfair advantages
  • Interfere with other users' enjoyment of the Service
  • Attempt to access other users' accounts or private data
  • Engage in collusion with other players to manipulate game outcomes
  • Use offensive or inappropriate display names
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users
  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract source code
  • Use the Service for any illegal purpose

5. League System and Rankings

The Service includes a competitive league system with ELO-based rankings. By participating:

  • You accept that rankings are calculated automatically based on game outcomes
  • You understand that your username and statistics may be visible to other users on leaderboards
  • You agree to play fairly and not manipulate rankings through collusion or exploitation
  • You accept that we may adjust rankings or remove users who violate fair play standards

League rankings are for entertainment purposes only and have no monetary value.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Content

The Service, including its design, code, graphics, and documentation, is owned by Stephen Harlow. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.

6.2 Game Rules

The games offered are based on traditional card games and word games with publicly known rules. Our specific implementations, AI systems, and platform features are proprietary.

6.3 Trademarks

Some game names (such as Scrabble and UNO) are trademarks of their respective owners. Our implementations are independent fan creations not affiliated with or endorsed by trademark holders.

7. Privacy and Data

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

Key points:

  • We collect minimal data necessary to provide the Service
  • Analytics and advertising require your explicit consent
  • You can request deletion of your data at any time
  • We do not sell your personal information

8. Push Notifications

The Service offers optional push notifications to alert you when it's your turn in a game. By enabling notifications:

  • You consent to receive browser notifications from the Service
  • You can disable notifications at any time through your browser settings
  • We only send game-related notifications, not marketing messages

9. Disclaimers

9.1 No Warranty

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that:

  • The Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
  • Defects will be corrected
  • The Service is free of viruses or harmful components
  • Game results or rankings are accurate

9.2 No Real Gambling

The games on this platform are for entertainment only. No real money wagering is offered or supported. Poker and other games are played with virtual chips that have no cash value.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Stephen Harlow shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from:

  • Your use of or inability to use the Service
  • Any errors or omissions in the Service
  • Unauthorized access to your data
  • Loss of rankings, statistics, or game progress
  • Any conduct of third parties on the Service

Our total liability shall not exceed $100 USD.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stephen Harlow from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use of the Service
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third party rights

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do:

  • We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top
  • Significant changes may be announced on the Service
  • Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of competent jurisdiction.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact:

Email: srhdeveloper@gmail.com

By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.