This policy explains what cookies and similar storage technologies we use on GamersRate, what each one does, and how to control them.
You can change your choices at any time:
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. We also use localStorage (a related browser feature) for a few things. Together we call them "storage". Storage can be first-party (set by this site) or third-party (set by another site whose content we embed, like a YouTube video).
2. Categories
We organize storage into four categories. You can accept or reject each (except essential) via the banner or via "Cookie settings".
- Essential — required for the site to work (login, security). Cannot be disabled.
- Preferences — remembers things you choose (like recent searches).
- Analytics — anonymous usage stats so we can improve the site.
- Marketing — measures how affiliate links and sponsored placements perform.
3. The full list
Essential
| Name | Type | Set by | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
laravel_session |
HTTP cookie | This site | Keeps you logged in across pages by linking your browser to a server-side session. | 2 hours of inactivity, or when you log out |
XSRF-TOKEN |
HTTP cookie | This site | Protects forms and POST requests against cross-site request forgery (CSRF). | 2 hours of inactivity |
gamersrate_cookie_consent_v1 |
localStorage | This site | Stores your cookie preferences so we don't ask again on every visit. | Until you clear it / 12 months |
Preferences
| Name | Type | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
gamersrate_recent_searches |
localStorage | Remembers your last 5 search terms so the search dropdown can show them. | Until you clear it |
Analytics
We do not currently set any analytics cookies. If we add them, we'll list them here and they will only load with your consent.
Marketing
We do not currently set any marketing cookies. If we add affiliate-link click tracking that uses cookies, we'll list it here and only load it with your consent.
4. Third-party content
Some pages embed third-party content. When that content loads, those third parties may set their own cookies that we don't control. We try to minimize this:
- YouTube trailers on game pages: loaded only when you open a game page that has one. YouTube may set its own cookies. To avoid them, log out of Google and/or do not visit pages with trailers.
- Affiliate / store links: clicking them takes you to an external site (Steam, etc.) which sets its own cookies under its own privacy policy.
- bunny.net fonts: we load the "Instrument Sans" font via bunny.net's CDN. bunny.net does not set tracking cookies for font requests.
- picsum.photos: placeholder cover images used during development. Will be replaced with self-hosted images in production.
5. How to control storage
- Our banner / settings: the simplest way. Open any time.
- Your browser: every modern browser lets you block or delete cookies and localStorage. Note that blocking essential cookies will make the site unusable (no login, no forms).
- Your account: deleting your account also removes the server-side data linked to your stored session.
6. Changes
If we add, change, or remove storage, we will update this page and re-prompt you for consent when categories change.