General Terms and Conditions

The game provided under these General Terms and Conditions (the “Game”) is offered by CSTactics Lab GmbH (hereinafter “CST”). Access to the Game and all related services is exclusively governed by these General Terms and Conditions (“GTC”).

1. SCOPE AND FORMATION OF THE AGREEMENT

1. Participation in the Game requires a valid agreement granting a game license from CST (hereinafter “Game License Agreement”).
2. By creating a game account, the user submits a binding offer to enter into a Game License Agreement of indefinite duration. In doing so, the user (hereinafter referred to as the “User”) is prompted to confirm acceptance of the most recent version of these GTC. Participation in the Game is not possible without this consent.
3. Any terms and conditions proposed by the Users of the Game (hereinafter “Users”) are expressly rejected. Such user terms will only apply if CST has explicitly agreed to them in writing.
4. Additional game rules, participation requirements, and communication standards (collectively: “Game Rules”) are published either on the Game’s websites or within the Game itself. By playing the Game, the User also accepts these Game Rules as binding. If any contradictions arise between these GTC and the Game Rules, these GTC will take precedence unless the Game Rules specifically state otherwise.
5. CST exclusively provides the Game to consumers as defined by section 13 of the German Civil Code (BGB). The use of the Game for profit or other commercial reasons is not permitted. The Game is offered solely for entertainment purposes.
6. CST offers the Game to all individuals who are at least 18 years old at the time of registration. Minors under 18 may only participate if they have obtained consent from a legal guardian. Any individual whose game account has been suspended or blocked under these GTC is explicitly excluded from participation.
7. CST is entitled, though not obligated, to request written proof of the User’s age or, in the case of minors, a written declaration of consent from a legal guardian at any time. If a minor continues to use their account upon turning 18, the User’s own consent replaces that of the legal guardian.
8. The agreement must be established personally. Registration or login by a third party—especially any service that commercially registers individuals across multiple telemedia providers—is not permitted.
9. 9. Once a game account has been successfully created, a Game License Agreement is formed that grants the User the right to use the Game under the conditions outlined below.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1. CST provides Users with free access to the Game. Additionally, CST offers Users the option to purchase credits that can be used to unlock premium features (i.e., paid additional functions). These credits are tied to the specific game world and can only be used with the game account through which they were obtained. Certain premium features may have their own usage terms and could expire after a given time. Such conditions are clearly stated at the time of purchase. Where available, Users may also purchase virtual goods or bundles of virtual goods for a fee.
2. For as long as the Game License Agreement remains in effect, CST grants eligible Users (pursuant to Section 1) a revocable, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable, geographically and temporally limited right to use the current version of the Game. This right is strictly for private, non-commercial use. Usage is restricted to the specific game world chosen during account creation. A User is not permitted to have more than one account per game world at the same time.
3. The Game is “live” in nature, meaning it may be modified at any time. CST reserves the right to further develop the Game or specific game worlds, including free features and premium features, in order to keep the experience engaging for a wide User base over the long term. The User will be adequately notified about such changes. No additional costs shall be incurred by the User due to these modifications.
4. CST may, at any time and without providing reasons, discontinue the Game or individual game worlds. CST will announce the shutdown of the Game or a game world with reasonable advance notice in accordance with Section 9 of these GTC.
5. The following provisions in this section apply only to Games that operate in rounds: Each game world progresses through a “Game Round,” influenced by the actions of the players within that world. Once the Game Round ends, there is a winner, and the game world is reset, causing all participants to lose their accumulated progress. This resetting is essential to the gameplay and thus Users are not entitled to maintain or transfer their in-game status at the end of a Game Round to another game world.
6. After a Game Round concludes, Users can request the transfer of any unused, purchased credits to another game world specified by the User. Credits can only be transferred to another game world within the same Game and country version from which they originated. Special servers may operate under different rules, which will be communicated when such servers launch. For any premium features that have been purchased but not yet used at the end of the Game Round, the credits used to activate those premium features will be re-credited to the User. Users will receive an email with instructions; CST will also inform the User via email of any relevant cut-off dates and the consequences of failing to meet them.
7. The same rights outlined in Paragraph (6) apply if a Game Round ends prematurely due to a decision by CST, preventing the normal completion of that round.

3. PURCHASING CREDITS OR VIRTUAL GOODS

1. The prices for premium features, credits, or virtual goods are those listed on the website at the time of purchase. All prices include VAT (where applicable). CST may require payment in advance for credits or virtual goods.
2. If CST incurs chargebacks or payment reversals resulting from User conduct, CST is entitled to halt services, block the User’s game account, and terminate the Game License Agreement under the conditions of Section 9.
3. CST may, at its discretion, offer the User the option to unblock the account by paying any outstanding service fees, additional costs, and a processing fee. CST will typically offer this option if the User can demonstrate that the chargeback or cancellation arose from an excusable mistake (e.g., a typing error) or another non-culpable behavior. CST will refuse reactivation if there is substantial evidence that the User acted intentionally—for example, in cases of suspected credit card fraud.
4. Due to technical and legal constraints, unblocking an account is generally not possible for accounts registered in these countries: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yemen, Qatar.

4. VIRTUAL CURRENCY AND VIRTUAL GOODS

1. Upon adding credits to the User’s account, the User acquires a simple, time-limited right to use those credits for the duration of the Game Round and within the specific game world. This right is non-transferable and non-sublicensable. References to “selling” or “buying” credits should be understood in this context as the transfer or acquisition of this right of use in return for payment. Words such as “sale,” “purchase,” “seller,” and “buyer” have a similar meaning in the context of credits. This also applies to other virtual goods.
2. Any real-money trading or exchange of credits, in-game currency, or virtual goods used in connection with the Game, outside the Game environment, is strictly prohibited unless done directly through CST or explicitly authorized by CST on specified platforms. Violations may lead CST to terminate the Game License Agreements of all involved parties under Section 9 of these GTC.
3. Regardless of any other arrangements or CST’s rights, the User’s right to use credits ends in any case when the Game License Agreement between CST and the User ends.

5. RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL

Right of Withdrawal

You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason. The withdrawal period is 14 days from the date of the conclusion of the contract. To exercise your right of withdrawal, you must inform CST with a clear declaration (e.g., via letter, fax, or email) stating your decision to withdraw from this contract. To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient to send this declaration before the 14-day period ends. Effects of Withdrawal

If you withdraw from the contract, CST will refund all payments received from you, including delivery costs (except for any additional costs arising if you selected a different delivery option than the cheapest standard delivery offered). Refunds will be made without undue delay and no later than 14 days from the date CST is informed of your decision to withdraw. CST will use the same payment method for the refund as was used in the original transaction unless explicitly agreed otherwise; under no circumstances will you be charged fees for the refund. END OF WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Special Notes:
The right of withdrawal expires prematurely for contracts pertaining to the supply of digital content not on a physical medium if:

1. The User has expressly consented that CST may begin contract fulfillment before the withdrawal period ends, and
2. The User acknowledges that this consent results in the loss of the right of withdrawal once performance has commenced, and
3. CST has sent confirmation to the User in accordance with Section 312f of the German Civil Code (BGB).

The User is advised to include their name, game account, and specific game world (where applicable) in the subject line if withdrawing via email.

6. USER OBLIGATIONS

1. Game accounts are tied to the individual who registered them and may not be sold, traded, gifted, or otherwise transferred, unless CST has given explicit permission. Users are not permitted to share their accounts with others unless explicitly allowed by CST (e.g., in the case of “dual accounts”).
2. The Game may only be used through the standard interfaces provided. For browser games, this means using a commonly available internet browser that has not been specifically modified for the Game. If the Game requires a client installation, only the unmodified client software from CST, in its most recent version, may be used. Using older versions is typically not feasible for technical reasons. Modified client software from third parties is not permitted.
3. Users agree to obey all laws and regulations applicable to them while using any of CST’s websites or Games.
4. Users agree to comply with the relevant Game Rules.
5. When using the Game and its communication features (including the names and titles chosen by the User in the Game), the following actions are prohibited:
   • Disseminating content that is insulting, harassing, violent, promoting violence, inciting unrest, sexist, obscene, pornographic, racist, morally reprehensible, or otherwise objectionable or illegal.
   • Insulting, harassing, threatening, or slandering other Users.
   • Posting statements containing religious or political messaging.
   • Sharing commercial advertising or promotional content.
   • Sending spam or mass messages, including chain letters and pyramid schemes.
   • Disclosing, passing on, or spreading personal or confidential data of third parties (including CST employees) or otherwise compromising their privacy.
   • Making false claims regarding someone’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, heritage, or social status, or about CST employees.
   • Making false allegations about third parties or CST.
   • Impersonating a CST employee or one of its affiliated companies or partners.
   • Using protected materials (pictures, photos, graphics, videos, music, sounds, texts, trademarks, etc.) without authorization.
   • Using or distributing any form of prohibited content.
   • Deliberately exploiting bugs, exploits, or other errors or weaknesses in the Game’s programming.
   • Taking actions that excessively load the servers or significantly disrupt other Users’ gameplay.
   • Engaging in hacking or cracking or encouraging others to do so; this includes use of third-party software for these purposes.
   • Creating or using cheats, mods, or hacks or using any unauthorized software that alters gameplay in a way not intended by CST.
   • Distributing files containing viruses, Trojans, worms, or other malicious software.
   • Using or distributing software that automates gameplay (e.g., macros, bots, scripts) or “cheat utilities.”
   • Modifying or altering the Game, its website, or parts thereof.
   • Using software for data mining or otherwise intercepting, altering, or collecting information related to the Game, particularly transmitted data.
   • Accessing or infiltrating the Game’s servers or website servers.
6. CST solely provides a platform for player-to-player communication. The User bears responsibility for any content they generate. This communication platform is intended for in-game dialogue only. Systematic misuse of the platform for non-game-related activities is forbidden.
7. A culpable infringement of paragraphs (1) to (6) is a breach of contract that, depending on severity, may result in a reduction of game progress, a temporary suspension of the User’s account, or ordinary or even extraordinary termination of the Game License Agreement under Section 9 of these GTC.
8. If a User’s account is permanently blocked or deleted, particularly following an extraordinary termination for cause, CST may refuse to enter into any new Game License Agreement with that individual.
9. The User must treat the password for accessing the Game as confidential and should change it regularly for security reasons. If a third party uses the account because the User failed to sufficiently protect the password, the User will be treated as if they carried out the actions themselves. The User is free to provide evidence that it was not them who acted, and that the account was adequately safeguarded. In the case of special dual or shared accounts officially offered by CST, the authorized Users may share the login data, provided they follow all usage rules.
10. CST generally communicates with the User by email. The User must ensure that emails from CST are received at the email address provided during registration (or subsequently updated) and are not filtered as spam, and that the User reviews these emails.

7. WARRANTY RIGHTS

1. Users are entitled to statutory warranty rights for digital products.
2. Users are encouraged to document and report any errors or bugs (e.g., via the support portal and any displayed error messages). This is often the only way for CST to become aware of such issues and investigate possible fixes.
3. CST does not provide any warranties in the legal sense unless expressly agreed otherwise.

CST’S LIABILITY

1. CST accepts unlimited liability for intent and gross negligence. In cases of slight negligence, CST is liable only if it breaches essential contractual obligations (“cardinal obligations”), and then only to the extent of predictable damages. Essential contractual obligations are those that must be fulfilled to enable proper performance of the contract, whose breach endangers the contract’s purpose, and on whose compliance the User normally relies. Beyond this, liability is excluded, subject to Paragraph (2) of this section.
2. The foregoing limitations and exclusions of liability do not apply in cases of fraudulently concealed defects, injury to life, body, or health, or if CST provides a guarantee. CST’s liability under the German Product Liability Act remains unaffected.
3. In the event of data loss, CST’s liability—except in cases of willful or grossly negligent data destruction—is limited to the costs that would be required to restore the data from the User’s backup.
4. The above liability exclusions and limitations also apply to CST’s legal representatives, vicarious agents, and assistants.
5. These provisions do not entail any shift of the burden of proof to the detriment of the User.

9. DURATION AND TERMINATION

1. The Game License Agreement between the User and CST is concluded for an indefinite period, unless CST has stipulated a fixed term in a specific offer.
2. The Game License Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time without having to provide reasons, provided there is no fixed term. CST’s ordinary termination takes effect one month after notification. The User’s ordinary termination takes effect seven days after notification. If the User’s data is deleted by the User or upon the User’s request, this also constitutes termination by the User.
3. The right to extraordinary termination for good cause remains unaffected.
4. CST has the right to extraordinary termination particularly if:
   • The User has not used their account for at least 12 months, despite receiving two reminders.
   • The User acquires or trades credits, in-game currency, or virtual goods for real money outside of the Game (contrary to Section 4 Paragraph 2).
   • The User is in default of at least EUR 10.00 and fails to pay despite two reminders.
   • The User commits a culpable, serious breach of the obligations in Section 6.
5. CST should generally issue a prior warning before giving notice of extraordinary termination, highlighting the misconduct and the risk of termination. In serious cases, immediate termination without warning is permissible. A serious case is one in which CST cannot be reasonably expected to continue the agreement.
6. Any termination of the Game License Agreement must be made in text form. Additionally, for Game License Agreements that involve payment, the User may terminate online by using a dedicated “cancellation” button in accordance with Section 9 Paragraph 2.
7. Besides any other legal or contractual rights, CST may temporarily or permanently deny a User access to the Game if they culpably, repeatedly, or significantly violate legal rules, the rights of third parties, the Game Rules, or these GTC. Such restrictions may also be partial—for example, disabling a User’s chat function or access to forums—especially if the User insults or harasses other Users.

10. AMENDMENTS TO THESE GTC BY CST

1. CST reserves the right to modify or supplement these GTC with future effect if there are valid reasons to do so (e.g., in response to changes in the legal landscape, technical developments, or to fill contractual gaps). Similarly, changes may be required if CST modifies the scope of its services in ways that do not significantly disrupt the contractual balance or make adherence to the amended GTC unreasonable for the User.
2. The User will be notified in an appropriate manner about any changes to these GTC, for example via the Game’s website, a pop-up window when starting the Game, an in-game message, or an email to the User’s registered email address.
3. The User may object to these amendments within six weeks of receiving notice. For instance, they can email protest@CSTgames.com to declare their objection.
4. If the User does not object to the amended GTC within this six-week period, the new or revised GTC become binding for the User.
5. Should the User object within this timeframe, CST is entitled to terminate the agreement without further notice, which also results in the User’s account being deleted. The original GTC remain in force until termination.
6. In its notice of any GTC changes, CST will inform the User about the objection and termination rights, the deadline, and the legal implications of not objecting.

11. FINAL PROVISIONS

1. All agreements based on these GTC and any related claims are governed exclusively by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. If the User enters into the agreement as a consumer, they retain the benefit of any mandatory consumer protection laws in their country of habitual residence, provided these offer more extensive protection.
2. The User may only offset claims by CST with counterclaims that arise from exercising the statutory right of withdrawal or with undisputed or legally established counterclaims. The User may exercise a right of retention only if the corresponding counterclaim stems from the same contractual relationship.
3. If any individual provision of these GTC is invalid, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
4. The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. We are neither willing nor obligated to participate in dispute resolution proceedings (including before a consumer dispute resolution authority, online dispute resolution, or alternative dispute resolution). For any complaints, please contact us directly at protest@CSTgames.com.