Cookie Policy
Last updated: August 13, 2026
This explains the cookies and similar browser storage The Chains uses, why, and how to control them. It works alongside our Privacy Policy.
The banner & your choice
The first time you visit, we show a banner offering to Accept or Reject non-essential cookies. Your choice is saved in your browser's local storage so we don't ask again on that device. You can change your mind anytime using the “Cookie preferences” link in the footer.
Essential (always on)
These are required for the site's basic functioning - signing in, staying signed in, and security - and can't be turned off through our banner (you can still block them in your browser, but sign-in won't work). Guest play never requires any of these.
| Name / prefix | Set by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| sb-* | Supabase (our auth provider) | Keeps you signed in and your session secure. |
| chains-theme, chains-* | The Chains (local storage) | Theme choice, guest game progress, tutorial status, and this cookie-consent choice itself. Not sent to a server. |
Non-essential (only after you accept)
Vercel Web Analytics reports anonymous, aggregated page views and visit counts. It doesn't track you across other websites and doesn't build an advertising profile. Google AdSense is how the game is funded; it may use cookies to serve and measure ads, and, depending on your Google account settings and location, to personalize which ads you see based on your activity across sites that use Google's advertising services. Neither loads at all until you accept in the banner; if you reject or never respond, both stay off and you'll see the site's plain ad placeholders instead of real ads.
| Service | Purpose | More info |
|---|---|---|
| Vercel Web Analytics | Anonymous, aggregated site usage | vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy |
| Google AdSense | Serving and measuring ads; may personalize based on your Google account/activity | How Google uses data · Ad settings / opt out |
Browser controls
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies and local storage in their settings. Blocking essential storage will prevent sign-in from working, but guest play is unaffected either way.
Changes
If we add a new non-essential cookie or tracking tool, we'll update this page and, where required, ask for your consent again.