COOKIE POLICY
This Cookie Policy explains how GameCritic uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site usage, and improve our services.
We Value Your Privacy
By using GameCritic, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings.
Table of Contents
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookie Definition
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.
Key Characteristics of Cookies:
Small Data Files
Typically contain letters and numbers, not personal information
Time-Limited
Can be temporary (session) or permanent (persistent)
Stored Locally
Saved on your device, not on our servers
Safe Technology
Cannot run programs or deliver viruses
Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies such as:
- Web Beacons: Tiny graphics embedded in web pages and emails
- Pixels: Small code snippets that track user behavior
- Local Storage: HTML5 storage for saving data on your browser
- Session Storage: Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser
2. Why We Use Cookies
Essential Functionality
Enable basic website features and ensure secure access to your account
- User authentication and login sessions
- Security and fraud prevention
- Load balancing and performance
- Remember your preferences
Analytics & Performance
Understand how visitors interact with our website to improve user experience
- Track page views and navigation patterns
- Measure website performance
- Identify technical issues
- Understand popular content
Personalization
Remember your settings and provide customized content
- Save language preferences
- Remember display settings
- Personalize recommendations
- Customize user interface
Social Media Integration
Enable sharing and social media functionality
- Social media sharing buttons
- Embedded social content
- Social login features
- Track social interactions
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
RequiredThese cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt-out of these cookies.
Examples:
Performance & Analytics Cookies
OptionalThese cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most often and if users receive error messages. This helps us improve site performance.
Examples:
Functionality Cookies
OptionalThese cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, personalized features. They may be set by us or third-party providers.
Examples:
Targeting & Advertising Cookies
OptionalThese cookies track your browsing habits to deliver advertising relevant to you and your interests. They may be set by advertising partners through our site.
Examples:
Cookie Lifespan Types
Session Cookies
Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
Persistent Cookies
Remain on your device until they expire or you delete them
4. Third-Party Cookies
GameCritic uses services from trusted third-party providers that may set cookies on your device. These third parties have their own privacy policies governing how they use information.
Google Analytics
Purpose: Website analytics and performance monitoring
Data Collected: Page views, session duration, bounce rate, traffic sources
Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
YouTube
Purpose: Embedded video content from game trailers and reviews
Data Collected: Video viewing behavior, preferences
Privacy Policy: YouTube Privacy Policy
Social Media Platforms
Purpose: Social sharing buttons and embedded content
Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Data Collected: Social interactions, sharing activity
Advertising Partners
Purpose: Deliver relevant advertisements
Data Collected: Browsing behavior, ad interactions
Note: We work with advertising networks that may use cookies for targeted advertising
5. How to Manage Cookies
You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool.
Cookie Consent Manager
Use our cookie consent tool to customize your cookie preferences directly on GameCritic.
Browser Settings
Control cookies through your web browser settings. Below are instructions for popular browsers.
Browser-Specific Instructions
Google Chrome
- Click the menu icon (⋮) in the top-right corner
- Select "Settings" → "Privacy and security"
- Click "Cookies and other site data"
- Choose your preferred cookie settings
Mozilla Firefox
- Click the menu button (≡) and select "Settings"
- Go to "Privacy & Security" panel
- Under "Cookies and Site Data", manage settings
- Choose your cookie preferences
Safari
- Go to "Safari" menu → "Preferences"
- Click the "Privacy" tab
- Choose "Block all cookies" or customize
- Manage website data as needed
Microsoft Edge
- Click menu (⋯) → "Settings"
- Select "Cookies and site permissions"
- Click "Cookies and site data"
- Configure your cookie preferences
Managing Cookies on Mobile Devices
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Go to Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
Android
Open Chrome → Settings → Site settings → Cookies
6. Detailed Cookie List
Below is a comprehensive list of cookies used on GameCritic:
Strictly Necessary Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID |
Maintains user session and authentication | Session | First-party |
gc_csrf_token |
Security token for preventing CSRF attacks | Session | First-party |
gc_cookie_consent |
Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year | First-party |
gc_login |
Remember login status | 30 days | First-party |
Performance & Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Google Analytics - distinguish users | 2 years | Third-party |
_gid |
Google Analytics - distinguish users | 24 hours | Third-party |
_gat |
Google Analytics - throttle request rate | 1 minute | Third-party |
Functionality Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
gc_language |
Store language preference | 1 year | First-party |
gc_theme |
Remember theme settings (dark/light mode) | 1 year | First-party |
gc_filters |
Save search and filter preferences | 90 days | First-party |
Note: This list may not be exhaustive. Cookie names and purposes may change as we update our services.
7. Your Choices & Rights
You have control over how cookies are used on your device. Here are your options:
Accept All Cookies
Allow all cookies for the best website experience and full functionality.
Reject Optional Cookies
Accept only essential cookies and reject analytics, functionality, and advertising cookies.
Customize Preferences
Choose which specific cookie categories you want to allow or block.
Delete Existing Cookies
Remove cookies that have already been placed on your device through browser settings.
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you don't want to be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. GameCritic respects DNT signals where technically feasible, but this may affect some website functionality.
Opt-Out Resources
For more information about managing cookies and opting out of tracking, visit these resources:
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other factors.
Policy Review
We regularly review and update our cookie practices
Update Date
Changes are reflected in the "Last Updated" date at the top
Notification
Material changes will be communicated through our website
Continued Use
Using GameCritic after updates means you accept the changes
We recommend reviewing this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Related Policies
For more information about how we protect your privacy and handle your data, please review: