Skybound Studios ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy outlines how we collect, process, and protect your information when you visit our website, contact us, or purchase our software products.

1. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with our platform, we may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

  • Direct Inquiries & Contact Data: Name, email address, and message contents submitted through our contact forms or direct support email.
  • Storefront & Order Information: When you purchase Skybound Studios scenery or products through third-party platforms (including Payhip, simMarket, X-Plane.org, iniBuilds, or Orbx), we may receive customer details necessary to fulfill your order and provide support. This includes your name, billing address, country, state, email address, order ID, and limited payment metadata (such as card expiry date and the last 4 digits of payment cards processed via payment processors like Stripe). We never see or store full credit card numbers or sensitive banking credentials directly.
  • Mailing List & Marketing Data: Email addresses provided via newsletter signup forms or customer accounts for product announcements, version updates, and studio news.
  • Technical & Usage Data: Basic server log information, IP addresses, browser types, device information, and site interaction metrics.

2. How We Use Your Data & Lawful Basis

We process your personal information under the following lawful bases:

  • Customer Support & Inquiries (Consent / Legitimate Interest): To respond to your questions, provide technical assistance, and handle product issues.
  • Order Fulfillment & License Management (Contractual Necessity): To verify purchases, issue product update downloads, and validate license activations across third-party storefronts.
  • Product Updates & Email Marketing (Consent / Soft Opt-in): To notify you about new scenery releases, product compatibility updates, and studio news. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly.
  • Site Performance & Security (Legitimate Interest): To maintain site integrity, prevent fraud, and analyze site usage to improve user experience.

3. Payment Processors & Third-Party Platforms

All monetary transactions and store checkouts are handled by specialized third-party merchant platforms and payment processors (such as Stripe, Payhip, simMarket, X-Plane.org, and iniBuilds). These third parties operate under their own independent privacy policies. We strongly encourage you to review their terms and privacy notices when completing purchases.

4. Analytics & Cookies

Our website uses performance and analytics services (including Google Analytics via Google Consent Mode) to help us understand visitor traffic and operational health.

We use a cookie consent management platform (CookieYes) to let you control your tracking preferences. Non-essential analytics cookies are only set if you explicitly grant consent through our cookie banner. You can update or change your consent preferences at any time. Additionally, you can adjust your web browser settings to block or notify you about cookies, though some site functions may be affected.

5. External Links & Community Platforms

Our website contains links to external community platforms and partner websites, including Discord, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, ArtStation, and distributor storefronts. Skybound Studios is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of these external websites.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information—including support communications, contact submissions, and transaction records—for as long as necessary to provide customer support, maintain valid licensing records, satisfy operational accounting requirements, and resolve technical queries. Customer records may be retained indefinitely unless erasure is requested.

7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

As a UK resident or user protected under data protection laws, you possess the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data held about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Right to Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal data ("Right to be Forgotten"), subject to overriding legal or regulatory retention obligations.
  • Right to Object & Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time or object to processing based on legitimate interests.

To exercise any of these rights, please reach out to us using the contact details below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk if you believe your data has been handled improperly.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a data request, please contact our team at:

Email: contact@skyboundstudios.uk