Privacy policy

Last updated: 8 September 2026

This policy covers Murder Mystery: Lights Out, its iPhone app and the game service at murder-mystery.hybes.dev. The app is operated by Ben Hybert. For support or privacy questions, email [email protected].

Playing on one phone

Pass & play stores player names, game settings, secret assignments and the current round on your device. This mode does not send game information to our server. Ending the offline game removes its saved game from the app. Device backups may include app data, depending on your Apple settings.

Playing online

The app sends your chosen player name, game settings and game actions to the game server so it can deal cards, manage the round and keep the players in sync. You can use a nickname; a real name, email address and account are not required to play.

The server creates a random player identifier and a reconnect token. Your device saves these with the game code and name so you can return to your seat. The app also saves your last-used name and server address.

Other players in your game can see your chosen name, connection status and the information needed for the current phase. Secret roles and assignments are sent to their assigned players; the result and votes become visible at the reveal. Anyone with a game code may join while the lobby is open, so share codes only with people you intend to invite.

How long information is kept

Online game state is held in server memory. Once everyone is disconnected and the game has had no activity for two hours, the server removes it on its next cleanup cycle, which runs approximately once a minute. Restarting the server also clears game state. Leaving an online game removes your saved reconnect credentials from the app; your chosen name may remain for the next game. Uninstalling the app removes its local app data from that device.

Connections and service providers

Our hosting and network providers process connection information, such as IP addresses and request details, to deliver and protect the service. Invite links can contain a game code and an optional name; the people and services you share the link with can see those details. Technical logs may be retained by service providers according to their policies.

You can change the game server in settings. If you connect to someone else's server, that operator processes your online game information under their own privacy practices.

Advertising and tracking

The app contains no advertising or analytics SDKs and does not track you across other apps or websites. We do not sell game data or use it for advertising. We use online game information to run the game, and support messages to respond to your request.

Support and your choices

If you email us, we receive your email address and the information in your message. Include only details needed to explain the issue. You can ask about, correct or request deletion of information we hold by emailing [email protected]. We may need enough information to verify and find your request. You can also contact the UK Information Commissioner's Office about a data protection concern.

You can choose offline play, use nicknames, leave an online game or end an offline game at any time. Children should play with a responsible adult and avoid entering identifying details. The app does not ask for dates of birth, contact lists, location, photos, microphone or camera access.

Changes

We will update this page if the app's data practices change and revise the date above.