Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 29, 2026
Hoof & Claw - mobile app and website (hoofandclaw.org)
Cenovya Labs LLC ("we," "us," "our") operates the Hoof & Claw mobile app and the hoofandclaw.org website (together, the "Service"). This policy explains what information we collect, why, and your choices.
1. Information We Collect
In the app:
- Display name and avatar - chosen by you when you join a game. Your avatar is picked from an in-app set of illustrations, not a photo.
- Anonymous device ID - the app signs you in with Firebase Anonymous Authentication. This creates a random ID tied to your device/install; it is not linked to an email, phone number, or real-world identity.
- Gameplay data - session codes, your role and votes during a game, and any messages you send in the in-game "Ancestral Baobab" chat.
- Diagnostic and crash data - if the app encounters an error, we automatically collect the error details, device model, OS version, app version, and IP address to help us fix bugs. This is handled by our error-monitoring provider, Sentry.
On the website:
- Email address - only if you voluntarily join our waitlist/newsletter. This is collected and stored by our email provider, Kit (ConvertKit).
- Quiz answers - if you take the "Which Animal?" quiz, your answers to the quiz questions are sent to our AI provider, Anthropic, to generate your personalized result. We do not send your name, email, or any other personal identifier along with these answers.
- Standard server logs - our hosting provider (Cloudflare) automatically logs IP addresses and browser information for security and performance, as is standard for any website.
We do not collect real names (unless you choose to type one as your display name), physical addresses, phone numbers, payment information, or precise location data. The app has no in-app purchases and no advertising.
2. How We Use This Information
- To operate the core game (matching players in a session, tracking game state, showing you the chat).
- To diagnose and fix crashes and bugs.
- To send waitlist/launch updates, if you opted in.
- To generate your quiz result.
- To maintain security and prevent abuse of the Service.
3. Who We Share It With
We do not sell your information. We share limited data with the service providers who help us run the Service, each acting under their own privacy terms:
| Provider | Purpose | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Google Firebase (Firestore/Auth) | Game data storage, anonymous sign-in | Display name, avatar, anonymous device ID, gameplay data |
| Sentry (Functional Software, Inc.) | Crash/error monitoring | Device info, IP address, error/crash details |
| Anthropic PBC | Quiz result generation | Quiz question/answer IDs only |
| Kit (Seva Labs, Inc.) | Waitlist/newsletter | Email address |
| Cloudflare | Website hosting | Standard web server logs |
We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our users.
4. Data Retention
We retain gameplay and account data for as long as needed to operate the Service. You can request deletion of your data at any time (see Section 6). Crash/diagnostic data is retained by Sentry per their standard retention window.
5. Children's Privacy
Hoof & Claw contains no age-inappropriate content - no explicit language, no graphic violence, no adult themes. The 13 and older requirement below reflects data-privacy law, not subject matter. (Separately, we recommend the game for ages 12 and up simply because of its strategic complexity.)
Because the Service collects limited data (an anonymous device ID and crash diagnostics) and lets players type a display name and chat messages, it is intended for players ages 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
6. Your Choices and Rights
- Delete your data: Email us at the address below with your session code (if applicable) and we will delete your associated data.
- Unsubscribe: Every waitlist email includes an unsubscribe link.
- No account required: You can play the game without providing an email or any persistent personal identifier.
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights (such as access, correction, or portability) under laws like the GDPR or CCPA. Contact us to make a request and we'll respond as required by applicable law.
7. Security
We use industry-standard measures (including encrypted connections) to protect your information, but no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We'll update the "Last updated" date above when we do.
9. Contact Us
Questions about this policy or your data? Email us at support@smartgamers.org.