Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing, downloading, or playing QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate ("the Game"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Game.

The Game is operated by RoboForgeStudios, Individual Entrepreneur registered in Kazakhstan ("we," "us," or "our").

2. Game Description

QuadKings: Fog of Checkmate is a four-player simultaneous chess game featuring:

• Simultaneous moves - All players move at the same time
• Fog of War - Limited visibility adds strategic depth
• Cooldown-based piece movement - Each piece has unique cooldown timers (1s-20s)
• 14×14 board - Larger battlefield for 4 players
• Hybrid chess pieces - Advanced pieces (Marshal, Sentinel, Amazon, etc.)
• FIDE-based 4-player rating system - Competitive rankings and titles
• Match replays - Review any match from your history (Lichess-style)
• In-game chat - Communicate with emojis and quick messages
• Cross-platform multiplayer - Steam, Web, Android, iOS (when available)

3. Game Availability and Platforms

3.1 Current Availability

The Game is currently available on:

• ✅ Steam (Windows PC) - Available now

3.2 Coming Soon

• 🔜 Web Browser version
• 🔜 Android (Google Play)
• 🔜 iOS (App Store)
• 🔜 macOS & Linux desktop versions

Platform-specific terms (Steam Subscriber Agreement, Google Play ToS, Apple ToS) also apply when using the Game on those platforms.

4. User Accounts

4.1 Account Registration

To play QuadKings, you must:

• Be at least 13 years old (USA) or 16 years old (EU) or legal digital age in your jurisdiction
• Provide accurate registration information (username, email if required)
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Use only one account per person (multiple accounts are prohibited)

4.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. Notify us immediately at support@4chess.orgif you suspect unauthorized access.

4.3 Account Termination

We may suspend or permanently ban your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our Code of Conduct
• Use cheats, bots, hacks, or unauthorized third-party software
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other players
• Manipulate ratings or rankings through collusion
• Create multiple accounts (smurfing)
• Share or sell your account
• Engage in fraudulent activity

5. Code of Conduct

5.1 Prohibited Behavior

You must NOT:

• 🚫 Cheat: Use bots, engine assistance, exploits, or unauthorized tools
• 🚫 Harass: Engage in hate speech, bullying, threats, or toxic behavior
• 🚫 Spam: Send unwanted messages, advertisements, or repetitive chat
• 🚫 Impersonate: Pretend to be another player, moderator, or staff member
• 🚫 Manipulate ratings: Intentionally lose games, collude, or rating farm
• 🚫 Exploit bugs: Abuse glitches for unfair advantage (report them instead!)
• 🚫 Reverse engineer: Decompile, modify, or extract game code
• 🚫 Sell accounts: Account trading or selling is strictly prohibited

5.2 Fair Play

QuadKings is a competitive skill-based game. All players must compete fairly and honestly.

• Use of chess engines or AI assistance is strictly prohibited
• We use anti-cheat systems and statistical analysis to detect violations
• First offense: Warning or temporary ban
• Repeated violations: Permanent ban

5.3 Chat and Communication

In-game chat must be respectful and appropriate:

• No offensive language, slurs, or discriminatory comments
• No threats, doxxing, or personal attacks
• No spam or advertising
• Use emoji reactions appropriately

Violations: Chat restrictions (mute), temporary ban, or permanent ban depending on severity.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership

All Game content is owned by RoboForgeStudios or licensed to us, including:

• QuadKings name, logo, and trademarks
• Chess piece designs (classic and hybrid pieces)
• Board graphics, UI, and visual assets
• Software code, algorithms, and game mechanics
• Audio, sound effects, and music
• Fog of war system and cooldown mechanics

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or create derivative works without written permission.

6.2 User Content and Replays

Match replays: Similar to Lichess, all matches are recorded and can be viewed/shared.

• You grant us a license to store and display your match replays
• You may share replay links for educational or entertainment purposes
• Replays are considered part of the Game's public record
• Streamers may broadcast their gameplay (attribution appreciated!)

6.3 User-Generated Content

By submitting content (username, profile picture, chat messages), you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content within the Game and promotional materials.

7. Monetization and Purchases

7.1 Current Status

QuadKings is currently 100% free-to-play. Core gameplay features are available to all players at no cost.

7.2 Future Monetization (Coming Soon)

We may introduce optional purchases in the future, such as:

• Cosmetic items (board themes, piece skins)
• Profile customization (avatars, titles, badges)
• Premium features (advanced statistics, extended replay storage)

Important: Core gameplay will always remain free. No pay-to-win mechanics. Purchases are cosmetic or convenience only.

7.3 Purchase Terms (When Available)

• All purchases are final and non-refundable (except as required by law)
• Virtual items have no real-world monetary value
• Prices may change without notice
• We may revoke access to purchased content if you violate these Terms
• Purchases are tied to your account and non-transferable

8. Game Features and Mechanics

8.1 Match Replays

Similar to Lichess.org, all matches are automatically recorded:

• Replays can be viewed anytime in your match history
• Replays show all moves from all 4 players (no fog of war in replay)
• You can share replay links with others
• Replays are stored indefinitely (subject to our data retention policy)
• You can request deletion of specific replays via privacy@4chess.org

8.2 Rating System

We use a FIDE-inspired rating system adapted for 4-player simultaneous chess:

• Starting rating: 1200 (Beginner)
• Rating changes based on match outcome and opponents' ratings
• Titles earned: Beginner → Amateur → Expert → Master → Grandmaster
• Leaderboards are public and reset seasonally (when ranked seasons are introduced)

8.3 Chat System

Chat modes available:

• Full: Send text messages and emojis
• Emoji only: Quick reactions (smile, etc.)
• Off: No chat interaction

Chat messages are moderated. Abuse will result in restrictions or bans.

9. Fair Play and Anti-Cheat

9.1 Prohibited Tools

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Chess engines (Stockfish, Komodo, etc.)
• AI assistants or move calculators
• Automated bots or scripts
• Memory editors or game modifiers
• Network manipulation tools
• Exploits or glitches for unfair advantage

9.2 Detection and Enforcement

We use multiple anti-cheat systems:

• Statistical analysis of move patterns and timing
• Automated detection of suspicious behavior
• Player reports and manual review
• Client-side integrity checks

9.3 Penalties

• First offense: Warning + rating reset
• Second offense: 30-day ban
• Third offense or severe violations: Permanent ban
• Appeals: Can be submitted to support@4chess.org within 14 days

10. Game Updates and Changes

We reserve the right to:

• Update, modify, or discontinue the Game or any features at any time
• Change piece cooldowns, game balance, or mechanics
• Add or remove chess pieces (classic or hybrid)
• Modify the rating system or reset ratings if necessary
• Perform scheduled maintenance (with advance notice when possible)
• Add new platforms (Android, iOS, Web)

We will notify players of significant changes via in-game notifications, email, or Discord announcements.

11. Disclaimers

11.1 "As Is" Service

The Game is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted, error-free, or secure access
• Specific matchmaking times or opponent availability
• Preservation of ratings, ranks, or match history indefinitely
• Compatibility with all devices or platforms
• That the Game will meet your expectations

11.2 Connection Requirements

QuadKings is an online multiplayer game requiring stable internet connection. We are not responsible for disconnections, lag, or connection issues on your end.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RoboForgeStudios and its affiliates shall NOT be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of data, ratings, rankings, or virtual items
• Service interruptions, downtime, or technical issues
• Actions or behavior of other players
• Unauthorized access to your account due to your negligence
• Decisions made by automated anti-cheat systems (subject to appeal)

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months prior to the claim. Since the game is currently free, this means zero monetary liability.

13. Platform-Specific Terms

13.1 Steam

When playing via Steam, you are also subject to the Steam Subscriber Agreement.

13.2 Mobile Platforms (Coming Soon)

When available, mobile versions will also be subject to:

• Android: Google Play Terms of Service
• iOS: Apple App Store Terms and Conditions

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Contact First

If you have a dispute, please contact us first at support@4chess.org. We commit to resolving issues in good faith.

14.2 Informal Resolution

Most disputes can be resolved through customer support. We aim to respond within 7 business days.

14.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Estonia. Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms shall be resolved in accordance with Estonian law.

Note: The choice of Estonian jurisdiction is standard practice for international software services and ensures clear legal framework for all users worldwide.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Significant changes will be announced via:

• In-game notification when you next log in
• Email notification (if you provided an email)
• Discord announcement
• Website banner

Continued use of the Game after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Game.

16. Contact Information

For questions, support, or legal inquiries:

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and RoboForgeStudios regarding the Game and supersede all prior agreements.