Hogwarts Legacy

EULA evaluation of Hogwarts Legacy
  • Overall Score: 54

  • Readability: 15
  • Data and Privacy: 14
  • Player Rights: 14
  • Changes to EULA: 11
  • Liability and Disputes: 13
  • Criteria Score Detail
    Clarity of Language 4 The EULA uses **mostly plain language**, with a few legal terms that are either explained or easily understood. Users can mostly understand the document without legal expertise.
    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 3 The EULA is **moderately concise**, but there are still some areas where it could be shorter without sacrificing clarity. Users might struggle to stay engaged but can generally follow the document.
    User-Friendly Explanations and Examples 3 Some key terms are explained, and **limited examples** are provided, but the majority of the EULA assumes users understand the legal concepts being used.
    User-Friendly Explanations and Examples 2 A summary is provided, but it is **overly simplistic** and **does not capture the key terms**. Users still need to read the full document to understand important details.

    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 2 The company heavily monetizes user data, including through third-party advertising, with minimal transparency or user control over the extent of the monetization.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Ownership of Purchased Content 3 Users have **partial ownership**, such as the ability to use the content but no resale rights. While not fully aggressive, the terms still limit the users flexibility.
    Refunds and Cancellation Rights 3 The EULA provides **some refund options**, such as within a short window (e.g., 7 days), but may involve restrictions like restocking fees or conditions that make refunds less accessible.
    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 2 Major changes are made, but the company provides **minimal highlights**, leaving users to sift through the EULA to find how their rights or obligations have changed. The impact can still be harmful, as important updates are easily missed.
    Accessibility of Changes 3 The updated EULA is presented with **some explanation**, but it may still include legal jargon that is difficult to understand. Prior versions may be available, but the comparison between old and new terms is not user-friendly.
    Opt-out Option 1 Users have **no option** to opt out of the changes, and must either accept the new terms or stop using the service entirely, losing access to their account and data without any recourse. This is highly harmful to user rights.

    Criteria Score Detail
    Are liability limitations reasonable or overly restrictive? 3 The company provides **some limited protection** but still disclaims most liability for major issues, leaving the user to bear most risks. The terms may offer limited legal recourse, but users still have minimal rights.
    Is there a cap on the company’s liability, and is it reasonable? 3 The liability cap is **somewhat low** (e.g., the cost of the service/product), offering **limited compensation**. It may be reasonable for small issues but insufficient for larger 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? 3 The dispute resolution process is **outlined**, but the details are complex or difficult for a typical user to follow. Some steps are clear, but overall the process remains **hard to navigate** without legal assistance.
    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.