Fallout 4

EULA evaluation of Fallout 4
  • Overall Score: 47

  • Readability: 12
  • Data and Privacy: 13
  • Player Rights: 12
  • Changes to EULA: 12
  • Liability and Disputes: 9
  • Criteria Score Detail
    Clarity of Language 2 The EULA contains **a lot of legal terms**, and while some sections are understandable, important details are still hidden behind unclear language, potentially **harming the user**.
    Text Structure and Formatting 3 The EULA is formatted adequately with **some headings and bullet points**, but important information is still buried or not highlighted, making it moderately difficult to follow.
    Length and Conciseness 4 The EULA is concise, with **minimal unnecessary information**. Most sections focus on essential terms, making it easier for users to read through and understand without losing interest.
    User-Friendly Explanations and Examples 2 The EULA offers **minimal explanations**, with a few difficult terms clarified, but most of the document is left without additional help, leaving users in a potentially harmful position.
    User-Friendly Explanations and Examples 1 There is **no summary version**, and users are forced to read the entire, often complex, EULA to understand any of the terms, creating a highly harmful situation for users who don’t have time or expertise to review it fully.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Scope of Data Collection 4 The company collects some additional data (e.g., usage metrics, location) but offers clear opt-out mechanisms for non-essential data collection.
    Data Sharing with Third Parties 3 The company shares data with a variety of third parties (e.g., advertisers, marketing partners) without clear or detailed disclosure on how it’s used.
    User Control over Data 2 Users have little to no control over their data, with no meaningful options to opt out of tracking, prevent data collection, or request deletion.
    Retention and Security of Data 3 The company retains data for extended periods without clear user control. Security practices are adequate but may expose data to unnecessary risks.
    Monetization of Data 1 The company sells or exploits user data with no restrictions, and users have no way to prevent or control this, exposing them to extensive privacy risks.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Ownership of Purchased Content 2 Users are granted **limited ownership** but cannot transfer or resell the content. There are significant restrictions, meaning users have some rights but not full control.
    Refunds and Cancellation Rights 2 Refunds are available, but only in **limited cases** such as product defects or technical issues. It’s difficult for users to get their money back under normal conditions.
    Right to Play 4 The EULA **guarantees access** to the game or purchased content for a reasonable time, even in the case of server issues. Users can play offline, but there may be some limitations based on service changes.
    Fair Use and Modding Rights 3 The EULA permits **some user-generated content** or modding, but with significant restrictions (e.g., only for single-player or specific non-competitive environments).
    Intellectual Property and User-Generated Content 1 The company claims **full ownership** of all UGC, even when created by the user. This is highly aggressive, as users lose any rights over their own creations.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Notification of Changes 3 Users are **notified of changes** through passive methods (e.g., in-app notifications or banners) but not necessarily in a clear or timely manner. Users may notice changes only after they have already been implemented.
    Consent to Changes 2 Users are notified of changes, but their **continued use** of the service is treated as automatic consent, without any formal agreement. This leaves users with little choice and can lead to inadvertent acceptance of harmful terms.
    Impact of Changes 1 The company can make **significant changes** that drastically affect user rights (e.g., increased data collection, reduced access) without clearly highlighting these updates. This is highly harmful as it leaves users unaware of major impacts.
    Accessibility of Changes 4 Changes are presented in **clear language**, with a summary of the most important updates. The previous version of the EULA is accessible for comparison, but some complex terms may remain.
    Opt-out Option 2 Users can **stop using the service** if they disagree with the changes, but they are forced to lose access to their accounts, data, and purchases. No ability to retain older terms or receive refunds.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Are liability limitations reasonable or overly restrictive? 2 The company disclaims most responsibility, including for product defects and issues caused by negligence. Users are **left vulnerable**, as there is minimal protection against company actions or failures.
    Is there a cap on the company’s liability, and is it reasonable? 2 The liability cap is **very low**, offering **minimal compensation** for damages or losses, even in significant cases. The user is left with little recourse in the event of serious problems.
    Does the EULA require arbitration or provide court access? 3 Arbitration is mandatory but includes **clear rules and protections** for users. However, court access remains restricted, limiting broader legal recourse.
    Is there a clear process for dispute resolution? 1 There is **no clear process** for dispute resolution, and users are left without guidance on how to address grievances. This makes it **extremely difficult** for users to resolve issues.
    Is class-action participation allowed? 1 **Class actions are strictly prohibited**, and users are forced to pursue disputes on an individual basis, severely limiting their ability to take collective legal action. This is **highly restrictive** and harmful to user rights.