Advertising Disclosure

Participation in Affiliate Programs

Opalgrove may participate in affiliate marketing programs with various companies and service providers. When you click on certain links on our website and make a purchase or sign up for services, we may receive a commission from the merchant. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Our affiliate relationships include partnerships with game development tools, software platforms, educational resources, and professional services that we believe may be valuable to our audience. We only promote products and services that align with our values and that we genuinely believe could benefit those interested in artistic game development.

Commission-Based Links

Some links on our website may be affiliate links, meaning they contain special tracking codes that allow us to earn a commission when you make a purchase through that link. These commissions help support our work and allow us to continue providing valuable content and services.

• • Links to game development software and tools we use and recommend
• • References to educational platforms and courses relevant to game development
• • Recommendations for professional services and creative resources
• • Partnerships with cultural institutions and artistic organizations

Product Recommendation Policies

Our recommendations are based on genuine experience and professional assessment, not solely on potential commission earnings. We maintain editorial independence and only recommend products and services that meet our quality standards and would genuinely benefit our audience.

If a recommended product does not perform as expected or fails to meet your needs, we encourage you to contact us. Your feedback helps us maintain the integrity of our recommendations and ensure we're providing value to our community.

Financial Relationship Transparency

We disclose all material financial relationships that could reasonably be perceived as affecting the objectivity of our content. When we have a financial relationship with a company or product we discuss, we clearly indicate this relationship in the relevant content. Our editorial judgments remain independent regardless of commercial relationships.

Identification of Paid Content

Occasionally, Opalgrove may publish sponsored content or accept compensation for featuring specific products, services, or partners on our website. All sponsored content is clearly labeled as such to ensure transparency with our audience.

Sponsored content may take various forms, including featured articles, case studies highlighting partner projects, educational content supported by sponsors, or promotional placements. Regardless of the format, we always disclose when content is sponsored or paid for by a third party.

Sponsored Post Labeling Policies

We use clear and conspicuous labeling to identify sponsored content:

• • Labels such as "Sponsored," "Paid Partnership," or "Advertisement" appear prominently at the beginning of sponsored content
• • Visual indicators differentiate sponsored content from editorial content
• • Disclosure statements explain the nature of the commercial relationship
• • Labels remain visible and clear across all device types and screen sizes

Brand Partnership Disclosures

When we enter into partnerships with brands, companies, or cultural institutions, we disclose these relationships to our audience. Brand partnerships may involve collaborative projects, co-created content, event sponsorships, or long-term professional relationships. We maintain editorial control over content even when working with partners, and we always prioritize providing value to our audience.

Content Authenticity Guarantees

Even when content is sponsored, we maintain our commitment to authenticity and quality. All sponsored content reflects our genuine professional perspective and adheres to our editorial standards. We do not allow sponsors to dictate our opinions or compromise the integrity of our recommendations. If we wouldn't recommend something to a colleague, we won't recommend it to our audience regardless of compensation.

Display Advertising Networks

Our website may display advertisements from third-party advertising networks. These networks serve targeted advertisements based on your browsing behavior and interests. We select advertising partners that maintain professional standards and respect user privacy. The presence of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement of the advertised products or services unless explicitly stated.

Behavioral Targeting Disclosure

Third-party advertising partners may use behavioral targeting technologies to deliver advertisements relevant to your interests. This involves:

• • Tracking your browsing behavior across multiple websites to build interest profiles
• • Using cookies and similar technologies to collect data about your online activities
• • Delivering advertisements based on inferred interests and demographics
• • Measuring advertisement effectiveness and optimizing ad delivery

Cookie Usage for Advertising

Advertising partners use cookies and similar tracking technologies to deliver personalized advertisements and measure campaign performance. These advertising cookies collect information about your visits to our website and other sites to provide relevant advertisements. For detailed information about how we use cookies, including advertising cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

Ad Personalization Practices

Advertisement personalization helps ensure that the ads you see are more relevant to your interests. However, you have control over ad personalization. You can manage your advertising preferences through your browser settings, opt out of personalized advertising through industry opt-out tools, or adjust your cookie preferences on our website. Opting out of personalized advertising does not mean you will see fewer ads, but the ads you see may be less relevant to your interests.

Ad Preference Management

You have several options for managing your advertising experience on our website:

• • Visit our Cookie Policy page to adjust your advertising cookie preferences
• • Use your browser settings to block or limit cookies from advertising networks
• • Opt out of personalized advertising through industry opt-out platforms
• • Contact us directly with concerns about specific advertisements or advertising practices

Opt-Out Procedures

To opt out of personalized advertising:

Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Consult your browser's help documentation for specific instructions.

Industry Opt-Out Tools: Visit the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA) website to opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies.

Mobile Devices: Use your device's advertising identifier settings to limit ad tracking on mobile platforms.

Data Collection for Advertising Purposes

Advertising partners may collect various types of data for advertising purposes, including device information, browsing history, demographic data, and location information. This data collection is subject to the privacy policies of the respective advertising networks. We require our advertising partners to comply with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR requirements for users in the European Economic Area.

Rights Under Privacy Regulations

Under applicable privacy regulations, including the GDPR, you have rights regarding data collected for advertising purposes. These include the right to access your data, request deletion, object to processing, and lodge complaints with supervisory authorities. To exercise these rights regarding advertising data, you may need to contact advertising networks directly. We can provide guidance on how to reach these partners and assist with your requests where possible.