Cookie Policy
Last Updated: November 3, 2025
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Runtime Dynamics LLC ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on Zero Sum Expanse. By using our services, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, authenticate your identity, and provide a better user experience.
✓ No Third-Party Cookies
We do NOT use third-party cookies for advertising, tracking, or analytics.
Unlike many websites, we do not display cookie consent banners because we only use essential first-party cookies that are strictly necessary for our services to function. We respect your privacy and do not share your browsing data with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.
Cookies We Use
We use only essential first-party cookies that are necessary for our services to operate:
Authentication Cookies
Purpose: To keep you logged in and maintain your session
Cookie Names: __Host-starx_web_session, __Host-starx_web_refresh, __Host-starx_web_csrf
Duration: Website sign-in lasts up to seven days, including across browser restarts. Logging out clears website sign-in and game-link credentials. The CSRF cookie protects website forms. These cookies are host-only, HttpOnly, Secure on HTTPS, and SameSite=Lax. Existing game API cookies remain separate.
Type: Essential - Required for login functionality
Security Cookies
Purpose: To protect against unauthorized access and security threats
Duration: Session-based
Type: Essential - Required for security
What We Don't Use
To protect your privacy, we explicitly do NOT use:
- Advertising Cookies: We do not track you for advertising purposes
- Analytics Cookies: We do not use third-party analytics services like Google Analytics
- Social Media Cookies: We do not embed social media tracking pixels
- Marketing Cookies: We do not track your behavior for marketing campaigns
- Cross-Site Tracking: We do not track you across other websites
How to Manage Cookies
Since we only use essential cookies, disabling them will prevent you from logging in and using our services. However, you can manage cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Note: Blocking essential cookies will prevent you from logging in and accessing authenticated features.
Local Storage and Session Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use browser local storage and session storage to:
- Store user preferences and settings
- Cache game data for better performance
- Maintain application state
This data is stored locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers except when necessary for game functionality. You can clear this data through your browser's developer tools or by clearing your browsing data.
Third-Party Services
We use Firebase Authentication (a Google service) for secure user authentication. Firebase may set its own cookies for authentication purposes. These cookies are:
- Essential for authentication functionality
- Not used for advertising or tracking
- Subject to Google's privacy practices
- Stored securely with HttpOnly and Secure flags
For more information about Firebase's privacy practices, visit Firebase Privacy.
Data Protection and Security
We protect your cookie data by:
- Using HttpOnly flags to prevent JavaScript access to sensitive cookies
- Using Secure flags to ensure cookies are only transmitted over HTTPS
- Implementing SameSite attributes to prevent cross-site request forgery
- Encrypting authentication tokens
- Regularly reviewing and updating our security practices
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Know what cookies we use and why
- Delete cookies from your browser at any time
- Opt out of non-essential cookies (we don't use any)
- Request information about data collected through cookies
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
Runtime Dynamics LLC
Zero Sum Expanse
Contact Form