Terms and conditions

1. Using Yapello

Please read these terms before playing. By using Yapello, you agree to them. If you do not agree, do not use the service. You must be able to enter into this agreement under the laws that apply to you. If you are under the age of majority where you live, a parent or legal guardian must review and agree to these terms and supervise your use.

You may play for personal, non-commercial enjoyment. You are welcome to share links, screenshots, and gameplay recordings, including monetized videos, provided you do not misrepresent an official partnership or expose another person’s private information.

2. Guest identities and saved progress

Browser play uses a guest identity rather than a registered account. Keep access to your device and session secure. Do not share session credentials. Clearing browser data, changing devices, or deleting your guest profile can make progress inaccessible. We do not currently offer registered-account recovery or guarantee cross-device transfers.

Choose an appropriate display name and avoid including sensitive information. Other players can see your display name and game activity. Our privacy policy explains how we handle data and how to request deletion.

3. Fair play and community conduct

Do not harass, threaten, impersonate, or discriminate against other players, or use unlawful or abusive display names. Do not cheat, manipulate scores or matchmaking, exploit bugs, bypass access controls, interfere with the service, or access another player’s session. Automated gameplay and external word-solving tools in competitive matches require our express permission.

Report a problem through the available in-game reporting tools or contact support. Please report security problems privately and do not access or disclose other players’ data.

4. Rules, scores, and virtual gems

The game’s dictionary, scoring rules, timers, and server validation determine accepted moves and results. We may correct errors, remove results obtained through cheating, or adjust game balance. Scores, rankings, and rewards are for entertainment and do not promise prizes or financial returns.

Gems and other game rewards are virtual gameplay features. They have no cash value, cannot be redeemed for money, and may not be sold or transferred outside features we expressly provide. Gems are not sold on the website. Separate game modes and versions may maintain separate progress and gem balances.

5. Your content and our game

You retain any rights you have in content you submit. You give us permission to store, process, and display your display name, submitted words, and game activity as necessary to operate the game, show results, and address abuse. Only submit content you have the right to use.

Yapello’s branding, artwork, software, and original game content belong to their respective owners. Permission to play or share gameplay does not transfer ownership or permit you to redistribute the game’s source code or assets. Third-party and open-source materials remain subject to their own licenses.

6. Availability and changes

Browser play requires an internet connection. Matchmaking depends on other players being available. We aim to keep the service working, but cannot promise uninterrupted access, error-free gameplay, or permanent retention of every game record. Updates, maintenance, connection problems, and outages may interrupt play.

We may improve, change, or discontinue features. If we introduce paid features, their price and applicable terms will be disclosed before purchase. The website is currently free and ad-free.

7. Restrictions and ending use

You can stop using Yapello at any time. We may restrict access or remove content when reasonably necessary to address violations of these terms, abuse, security risks, or legal requirements. We may act immediately where needed to protect players or the service. Contact support if you believe a restriction or score correction was mistaken.

8. Third-party services

Links to other websites and features offered through third-party platforms are subject to those providers’ terms and privacy policies. We do not control their services. These website terms do not replace any separate terms that apply when using an app store or Reddit.

9. Disclaimers and your legal rights

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Yapello is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties beyond those required by law. To that same extent, we are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses arising from use of, or inability to use, the service.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, or takes away mandatory consumer rights or remedies available where you live.

10. Updates and contact

We may update these terms and will show the effective date on this page. For material changes, we will provide appropriate notice and obtain agreement where required by law. Changes will not apply retroactively to disputes that arose before they took effect.

For questions, complaints, or help, email Dylan Dale at dylan@datathemis.com. Please do not send passwords or session credentials.