Cookies Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies help us remember your preferences, analyze how you use our site, and serve relevant advertisements.

2. Why We Use Cookies

GamingZone uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Ensure the website functions properly
• Remember your preferences (theme, sound settings)
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
• Serve personalized advertisements
• Improve your gaming experience
• Comply with legal requirements

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

Examples:

• Session management
• Cookie consent status
• Basic functionality

Duration: Session or up to 1 year

3.2 Preference Cookies

Purpose: These cookies remember your preferences and settings (e.g., theme, sound).

Examples:

• gz_theme - Stores your theme preference (Neon or Light)
• gz_sound_enabled - Remembers if sound is enabled
• Game progress and scores (stored in localStorage)

Duration: Up to 1 year

3.3 Analytics Cookies

Purpose: These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.

Provider: Google Analytics

Examples:

• _ga - Distinguishes unique users
• _gid - Distinguishes users
• _gat - Throttles request rate

Duration: Up to 2 years

Opt-Out: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

3.4 Advertising Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are used to serve personalized advertisements based on your interests.

Provider: Google AdSense, DoubleClick

Examples:

• IDE (DoubleClick) - Used for ad targeting
• test_cookie - Checks if browser accepts cookies
• Other third-party advertising cookies

Duration: Up to 2 years

Opt-Out: You can opt out of personalized advertising by:

• Visiting Google Ads Settings
• Using aboutads.info
• Using Your Online Choices (EU)

4. Third-Party Cookies

In addition to our own cookies, we may use third-party cookies from trusted partners:

4.1 Google AdSense

Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to GamingZone or other websites. These cookies enable Google and its partners to serve ads based on your interests.

Google's Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

4.2 Google Analytics

Google Analytics collects anonymous data about site usage to help us improve GamingZone.

Google Analytics Privacy: support.google.com/analytics

4.3 Social Media & Sharing

If you share content via social media, those platforms may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies.

5. LocalStorage & Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage to store data locally on your device. This includes:

• Game scores and progress
• Win streaks and achievements
• User preferences

This data is stored only on your device and is not transmitted to our servers. You can clear it at any time by clearing your browser's data.

6. Managing & Disabling Cookies

You have the right to accept or reject cookies. Here's how you can manage them:

6.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Accept only first-party cookies
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• Clear all existing cookies

Browser-Specific Instructions:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge

Note: Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of GamingZone and your overall experience.

6.2 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of targeted advertising using:

• Google Ads Settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
• Your Online Choices (EU)

7. Cookie Consent

By continuing to use GamingZone, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

When you first visit our site, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can choose to:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies
• Learn More: Read this Cookies Policy

Your consent preference is stored in localStorage and will be remembered for future visits.

8. Changes to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.