Last Epoch by Eleventh Hour Games is not as precise when it comes to terms like "offline game" or the approach to data minimization. In the course of testing Last Epoch, the raw data collected were stored in text files. Due to the volume of data, this time, the information is directly linked rather than addressing specific parameters in detail. Regular readers and interested parties will likely find much that is familiar. In this sense, the review serves as addition to available product information. Nothing more, nothing less. A rating must inevitably be given on Steam. This cannot be avoided.

What Does This Product Do?

The product, aside from news linking to Discord and character data, is completely based on third-party services. Upon starting the game, Last Epoch activates various tracking tools by Unity Technologies, collecting extensive player data – even in the so-called "Full Offline Mode". By "full offline mode", I understand a complete offline usage without any trackers or spyware making internet connections and recording the entire game session, which contradicts the actual concept of a "Full Offline Mode". In contrast, the "Online Mode" is based on enhanced Unity Telemetry and Microsoft Azure PlayFab. Communication for group channels has been addressed through the provider Sendbird, Inc., which specializes in APIs for text and video interactivity in digital services. Additionally, logging is active through Cloudflare Network Error Logging (NEL) service. Microtransactions run via Steam API.

Additional customer note

There are forms in the game that reflect exactly that and where you can apply for exactly what I have written here. But honestly, what do you prefer? Running after your own data and relying on the words of a developer or knowing what to expect in the game before you buy? Your choice.

Who Operates the Product?

Eleventh Hour Games Eleventh Hour Games is an independent video game development studio based in California, USA. The company was founded in 2016 by former employees of Blizzard Entertainment.

Where Are the Service Providers Located?

Eleventh Hour Games - Information about the location and cashflow is not transparent Sendbird, Inc. - 400 First Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA Cloudflare, Inc. - 101 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107 USA Google, LLC - 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy Building 43, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA Unity Technologies - San Francisco, 30 3rd Street, CA 94103, USA Microsoft Corporation - Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington, 98052, USA

What Data Is Collected?

Too much and more than necessary, because many values are included by default that are not required for development. Instead, they are collected directly by the engine manufacturer itself. For every Unity title, regardless of the developer or product. This also includes data that allows conclusions to be drawn about individuals and this is not necessarily covered by the existing terms of use and would fall under the term data minimization GDPR (Article 5, paragraph 1, letter c) I will refrain from explanations and lengthy explanations here, as Valve only allows a limited amount of space for user review. Some personal details have been redacted for the public review. The linked files also only shows partial excerpts from the overall scope. Individual data records are separated by --. Nevertheless, contact me if you have any questions or ask the devs directly about the product behavior. The information has been provided for this purpose.

Config Analytics: Unity_Analytics_Config_UCA.txt
Business Core Analytics: Unity_Analytics_Config_CDP.txt
Cloud Reports and Crashlytics: Unity_Collect_Perf.txt
SDK Telemetry: Unity_Operate_SDK_telemetry.txt
Enviroment Telemetry: Unity_Collect_Analytics.txt
Chardata: chardata.txt
Playfab: Playfab.txt
Serverlist: Last_Epoch_Server.txt
News: Last_Epoch_News.txt
Group/Channels: Sendbird_Group_data.txt
Microtransactions: Microtransactions.txt

Privacy Policy/Terms of Use and Opt-Out/In?

Although some aspects are mentioned in the Last Epoch EULA with regard to the collection of data, customers are ultimately left in the dark about product behavior. The terms of use are available only in English. This alone is a disadvantage for non-English-speaking customers. An opt-out option does not exist.

Can This Behavior Be Blocked?

To use a true "Full Offline Mode," the Unity services must be completely blocked. This does not impair the user's own gaming experience. The UnityCrashHandler64.exe or *.32.exe in the installation directory should also be deleted. The news addresses can be blocked as needed. PlayFab mainly serves as GAAS (Gaming as a Service) and online compulsion. Those who do not want this must use the offline mode. The chat can also be blocked separately.

Additional Info

For additional details such as a connection overview for blocking connections and involved IPv4 addresses, company details, and a German version of the review, can be found as usual at https://gameindustry.eu/. If interested, join the Penguin Domination group to ensure you don't miss any reviews on Steam.

Censored content

If links may censored by Valve's content filter, this usually takes about 2 days. Sometimes less. In this case, the review was prepared externally on the linked project page (accessible via my primary group or my profile) and provided with additional information.

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