Terms of Service

1. Introduction & Acceptance

These Terms of Service (the "Terms") are a binding agreement between you and the operator of the Rize.gg platform ("Rize," "we," "us," "our"). By accessing, browsing, registering for, or using any part of the Rize.gg website, mobile application, or services (collectively, the "Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you may not use the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform following any updates to these Terms constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Definitions

• "Platform" means the Rize.gg website, mobile application, and all services, features, and content made available by Rize.
• "Services" means all functionality, tools, and features available on or through the Platform.
• "User" or "you" means any person or entity accessing or using the Platform.
• "Account" means your unique user profile and credentials on the Platform.
• "Stars" means Rize's virtual, account-bound soft currency used on the Platform. Stars may be gifted to other users but cannot be sold or traded for real money.
• "Content" means all text, images, videos, profiles, messages, and other information uploaded by users.
• "Club" or "Organization" means a community group created on the Platform for managing teams and players.
• "Tournament" means a competitive event created and managed via the Platform.
• "League" means a recurring competitive structure with divisions, standings, and seasonal progression.
• "Federation" means a partner organization granted administrative tools on the Platform.
• "Player Card" means the shareable visual card displaying a player's stats, badges, and competitive rank.
• "Match" means a competitive gaming session organized through the Platform.

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

3.1 Age Requirements

By using the Platform, you represent that you meet the following age requirements:

• General Platform Use: 12 years old or older. If you are under 18, you may use the Platform with parental or guardian consent.
• Purchases & Subscriptions: 16 years old or older to make Star purchases or set up subscriptions. Users aged 16-17 require parental or guardian consent for purchases.
• Cash Prize Withdrawals: 18 years old or older to receive monetary prize payouts. Users under 18 may participate in prize-eligible competitions, but prize withdrawals require a parent or guardian to complete identity verification and receive funds on their behalf.

3.2 Parental Responsibility

If you are a parent or guardian consenting to a minor's use of the Platform, you are responsible for that minor's activity, conduct, and compliance with these Terms. Rize may require parental verification at any time.

3.3 Account Creation

When registering for an Account, you must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information.
• Choose a unique username that does not impersonate others or violate our conduct rules.
• Protect your password and keep it confidential.
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your Account.
• Maintain only one Account per person. Creating or operating multiple accounts may result in suspension or permanent ban of all associated accounts.

3.4 Identity Verification

For certain features, Rize may require identity verification, including government-issued ID and other identity confirmation. By registering, you consent to such verification as required by applicable law and Rize's policies.

3.5 Accuracy of Information

You are solely responsible for the accuracy of information you provide. Rize reserves the right to suspend or terminate Accounts with false, misleading, or incomplete information.

4. Account Responsibilities & Security

4.1 Your Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your Account credentials.
• All activity that occurs under your Account, whether authorized by you or not.
• Notifying Rize immediately of unauthorized access or security breaches.
• Complying with all applicable laws and these Terms.

4.2 Account Suspension & Termination

Rize reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate your Account if we determine, in our sole discretion, that you have:

• Violated these Terms or our Community Guidelines.
• Engaged in fraud, cheating, or unfair play.
• Used the Platform for illegal purposes.
• Harassed, threatened, or defamed other users.
• Attempted to circumvent security or access controls.

Upon suspension or termination, your access to the Platform ceases immediately. All Stars in your Account are forfeited and non-refundable.

4.3 Account Deletion

You may request permanent deletion of your Account at any time by contacting [email protected]. Upon deletion, your Account data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy, and all Stars will be forfeited.

5. Stars Economy & Virtual Currency

5.1 Nature of Stars

Stars are a virtual, soft currency unique to the Rize.gg Platform. Stars are:

• Giftable but not tradeable: You may gift Stars to other users through the Platform's gifting feature. However, Stars cannot be sold, traded, auctioned, or exchanged for real money or other forms of value outside the Platform.
• Account-bound: Stars belong to your Account and cannot be accessed after Account termination, except where gifted to another user prior to termination.
• Non-redeemable for Cash: Stars have no real-world monetary value and cannot be converted to, redeemed for, or exchanged for real money, cryptocurrencies, or any other form of payment under any circumstance.

5.2 Earning Stars

You may earn Stars through platform activities including missions, referrals, events, login streaks, and subscription allocations. Specific earning opportunities and rates are displayed within the Platform and may change at any time.

5.3 Spending Stars

Stars may be spent on in-platform features including cosmetics, profile customizations, visibility boosts, subscription purchases, and other services as made available by Rize. Specific costs are displayed within the Platform and may change at any time.

5.4 Subscription Tiers

Rize offers optional subscription plans providing Stars and other benefits. Subscription tier names, pricing, and specific benefits are detailed within the Platform at the point of purchase and may be updated from time to time. General subscription terms are governed by Section 6.

5.5 Star Bundles & Purchases

Rize may offer direct Star bundle purchases for real money. All Star purchases are final and non-refundable, except as required by law.

5.6 Platform Right to Modify Economy

Rize reserves the right to:

• Adjust the earning rates of Stars at any time.
• Modify subscription tier benefits, pricing, and Star allocations.
• Change the cost (in Stars) of any in-platform items or features.
• Temporarily or permanently discontinue earning or spending opportunities.
• Devalue or remove Stars from your Account if you violate these Terms.

Any material changes to the Star economy will be announced via email or in-app notification at least 14 days in advance, except in cases of abuse prevention or emergency maintenance.

5.7 No Refunds on Spent Stars

Once Stars are spent, they cannot be refunded under any circumstance, except as required by applicable consumer protection law.

5.8 Account Termination & Star Forfeiture

Upon Account suspension, termination, or deletion, all Stars in your Account are immediately forfeited and cannot be recovered, transferred, or refunded.

6. Subscriptions & Payments

6.1 Subscription Terms

If you subscribe to any Rize subscription plan, the following terms apply:

• Billing Cycle: Subscriptions renew automatically on a monthly basis unless canceled.
• Pricing: Current pricing is displayed at purchase. Rize may adjust subscription pricing with 30 days' notice.
• Auto-Renewal: By subscribing, you authorize automatic renewal charges to your payment method until you cancel.
• Cancellation: You may cancel your subscription at any time via your Account settings or by contacting [email protected]. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

6.2 Refund Policy

• Subscriptions: Subscription fees are non-refundable for periods already billed.
• Star Purchases: Stars purchased for real money are non-refundable except as required by law.
• Earned Stars: Stars earned through platform activity are non-refundable under all circumstances.

6.3 Payment Processing

Rize uses third-party payment processors to handle transactions. By making a purchase, you authorize the payment processor to charge your payment method. Rize is not responsible for payment processor errors, delays, or disputes. Refer to the payment processor's terms for additional information.

6.4 Billing Disputes

If you believe a charge is erroneous, contact [email protected] within 30 days of the transaction. Rize will investigate and, if warranted, issue a refund or credit to your Account.

6.5 Taxation

You are responsible for any applicable sales tax, VAT, or other taxes related to your purchases on the Platform. Rize will comply with applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.

7. Tournament & Competition Rules

7.1 Fair Play & Anti-Cheat

All users participating in competitive events agree to:

• No Cheating: Do not use hacks, exploits, aimbots, wallhacks, scripting tools, or any unauthorized software or hardware modifications to gain competitive advantage.
• No Match-Fixing: Do not deliberately throw, manipulate, or pre-arrange match outcomes.
• No Account Sharing: Do not allow others to play on your Account during competitive matches, or play on someone else's Account.
• No Smurfing: Do not create or use alternate accounts to compete at a lower skill level than your actual ability.
• No Harassment: Do not target, harass, or threaten opponents before, during, or after matches.

Rize may share anti-cheat data with game publishers and tournament partners to enforce fair play across platforms.

Violations may result in Account suspension, tournament disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, and permanent ban.

7.2 Match Integrity & Dispute Resolution

• Result Reporting: Match results are reported by organizers or designated match officials. Users may dispute results within 24 hours of match conclusion.
• Evidence: Rize will investigate disputed results based on evidence (screenshots, VODs, logs) provided by the disputing party.
• Final Ruling: Rize's determination on disputes is final and binding.
• Appeals: Limited appeals may be available for disputes involving cash prizes; details will be provided upon request.

7.3 Tournament Organizer Responsibilities

If you create or run a tournament on the Platform:

• Accurate Rules: Clearly communicate tournament rules, formats, and schedule before registration opens.
• Timeliness: Conduct matches, collect results, and distribute prizes within the announced timeframe.
• Integrity: Ensure fair adjudication and prevent cheating within your tournament.
• Liability: You are responsible for disputes arising from your tournament. Rize may assist with technical investigation but is not liable for organizer conduct or prize fulfillment.

Tournament organizers who repeatedly violate these responsibilities may lose tournament creation privileges.

7.4 Prize Distribution

• Cash Prizes: Organizers offering cash prizes are responsible for all taxation and legal compliance in relevant jurisdictions. Rize may provide payment processing assistance but is not responsible for prize delays, disputes, or legal issues.
• Forfeiture: Players disqualified for rule violations forfeit all earned prizes from that competition.
• Prize Delivery: Prize winnings are deposited into the winner's Platform wallet. Wallet balances may be used to purchase Stars, cosmetics, or other in-platform items as made available by Rize.

7.5 Disqualification

Rize reserves the right to disqualify teams or players from any competition for:

• Cheating, exploiting, or match-fixing.
• Harassment or threatening behavior.
• Registration violations (false information, fake identity, account sharing, smurfing).
• Violation of game publishers' terms of service.

8. User Content & Conduct

8.1 Content Ownership & License

You retain ownership of all original Content you create and upload to the Platform. However, by uploading Content, you grant Rize a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, perpetual license to:

• Display, reproduce, and distribute your Content on the Platform and in Rize's promotional materials.
• Modify your Content only as necessary to improve Platform functionality, enforce these Terms, or comply with law.
• Archive your Content for historical or legal records.

This license survives Account termination for Content that has been shared publicly or incorporated into platform features (such as tournament results, leaderboard entries, or Player Cards shared by other users).

8.2 Prohibited Content & Conduct

You agree not to upload, share, or engage in:

• Hate Speech: Content targeting individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, nationality, or other protected characteristics.
• Harassment & Threats: Bullying, threats of violence, doxxing, swatting, or sustained targeting of specific individuals.
• Cheating & Fraud: Using hacks, exploits, match-fixing, or deception to gain unfair advantage.
• Impersonation: Pretending to be another person, team, or organization to deceive others.
• Spam & Scams: Unsolicited mass messaging, phishing links, fraudulent schemes, or commercial solicitation.
• Illegal Activity: Content or conduct violating applicable laws.
• Sexual Content: Pornography, sexually explicit content, or sexual harassment.
• Intellectual Property Violation: Unauthorized use of copyrighted, trademarked, or proprietary content.
• Misinformation: Deliberately spreading false information intended to deceive or harm.
• Self-Harm: Content glorifying, encouraging, or providing methods for self-harm or suicide.
• Real-Money Trading: Attempting to buy, sell, or trade Accounts, Stars, or in-platform items for real money or external value. Gifting Stars through the Platform's built-in feature is permitted; using gifting to circumvent this rule (e.g., selling Stars for cash via external channels) is prohibited.

Violations may result in Account suspension, content removal, or referral to law enforcement.

8.3 Content Moderation

Rize employs automated systems and human moderators to monitor for prohibited content. We may:

• Remove prohibited Content without prior notice.
• Suspend or terminate Accounts for serious or repeated violations.
• Report illegal activity to relevant authorities.
• Preserve evidence of violations for investigation or legal proceedings.

Rize does not guarantee detection of all prohibited Content and is not liable for user-generated Content on the Platform.

8.4 Reporting

If you encounter prohibited Content or conduct, report it via the in-app reporting tool or by contacting [email protected]. Rize will investigate and take appropriate action.

9. Clubs & Organizations

9.1 Club Owner Responsibilities

If you create or manage a Club:

• Community Standards: You are responsible for enforcing community standards and removing members who violate these Terms.
• Content Moderation: Monitor club communications and member-generated content; remove prohibited Content promptly.
• Member Management: Maintain accurate rosters and prevent unauthorized access to team events.
• Fair Administration: Manage club affairs transparently and fairly; do not abuse administrative powers.

9.2 Club Dissolution & Data Retention

If a Club is inactive for 180 days, Rize may archive or delete the Club and its associated Content. Club owners may export data before dissolution upon request.

9.3 Club Liability

Club owners are liable for content and conduct occurring within their Clubs. Rize is not responsible for disputes between club owners and members or for content posted in club spaces.

10. Federation Services

10.1 Eligibility

Federation accounts are available to esports organizations, sporting bodies, game publishers, and institutional partners. Federation applicants must verify their organization's registration and provide proof of authority.

10.2 Responsibilities

Federation administrators must:

• Ensure all federation members comply with these Terms and applicable laws.
• Maintain accurate records of member identities and status.
• Report suspicious activity to Rize immediately.
• Comply with data protection and privacy laws in their jurisdictions.

10.3 Data Handling

Rize collects and processes federation member data to provide administrative services and comply with legal requirements. Federation partners must ensure all members consent to data processing in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

10.4 Separate Agreements

Federation services may be subject to separate service agreements, data processing agreements, or partnership agreements. Those agreements supersede or supplement these Terms where applicable.

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 Rize Ownership

Rize owns all intellectual property in the Platform, including website design, layout, graphics, source code, trademarks ("Rize," "Rize.gg," logos, and brand assets), and proprietary systems and methodologies.

You may not reverse-engineer, disassemble, decompile, or attempt to derive the source code of the Platform without written permission.

11.2 User Content License

By uploading Content to the Platform, you grant Rize the license described in Section 8.1. You are solely responsible for ensuring your Content does not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.

11.3 Third-Party Content & Trademarks

Game titles, publisher logos, and artwork integrated into the Platform are the intellectual property of their respective publishers. Rize uses such content under license or with permission. Your use of such content through the Platform does not grant you ownership or exclusive use rights.

12. Privacy & Data Protection

12.1 Privacy Policy

Your use of the Platform is governed by our separate Privacy Policy, available at rize.gg/privacy. The Privacy Policy describes what data we collect, how we use it, your rights, our retention practices, and our use of cookies and tracking technologies.

By using the Platform, you consent to data collection and processing as described in the Privacy Policy.

12.2 GDPR & Data Subject Rights

If you are a resident of the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, port, and withdraw consent for your personal data. Exercise these rights by contacting [email protected].

12.3 Saudi PDPL Compliance

If you are a resident of Saudi Arabia, Rize complies with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). You have the right to access, correct, and delete your personal data. Contact [email protected] to exercise your rights.

12.4 Cookies & Tracking

Rize uses cookies and tracking technologies to improve your experience, analyze usage, and deliver relevant content. You may control cookie preferences via your browser settings, though some Platform features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

12.5 Data Security

Rize implements industry-standard security measures to protect your data. However, no security system is completely secure. Rize is not responsible for data breaches caused by third-party attacks, unless due to Rize's negligence.

13. Third-Party Services & Game Accounts

13.1 Linked Accounts

The Platform allows you to link third-party gaming accounts to enhance your profile and enable integrations. Linking is optional and at your discretion.

13.2 Third-Party Terms Apply

When you link or use a third-party account, that third party's terms of service, privacy policy, and community guidelines continue to apply. Rize is not responsible for third-party account access, security, suspension, data practices, service changes, or disputes between you and the third party.

13.3 Game Publishers' Terms

Your use of games accessible through the Platform remains subject to those game publishers' terms of service and anti-cheat policies. Violation of game publisher terms may result in Platform account suspension.

13.4 Unlinking Accounts

You may unlink third-party accounts from your Rize profile at any time via Account Settings. Unlinking does not affect your standing with those third-party platforms.

14. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

14.1 "As Is" Service

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Rize disclaims all warranties, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

14.2 No Guarantee of Service

Rize does not guarantee uninterrupted service, uptime, availability of specific features, timely resolution of technical issues, or the accuracy of any information on the Platform.

14.3 User-Generated Content

Rize is not responsible for content uploaded, shared, or modified by users, or for any harm arising from user interactions. You use user-generated Content at your own risk.

14.4 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Rize's total liability to you for all claims arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the amount you paid to Rize in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) $100 USD.

This limitation applies regardless of the legal basis of the claim and even if Rize has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

14.5 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

Rize is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits, lost revenue, lost data, or business interruption.

14.6 No Liability for Third Parties

Rize is not responsible for the conduct, content, or actions of other users, third-party services, game publishers, or payment processors.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Rize, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to your violation of these Terms, your use of the Platform in violation of law, your Content or conduct, your infringement of third-party rights, disputes between you and other users, or your linked third-party accounts.

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the operator of Rize.gg is incorporated, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

16.2 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal legal action, you and Rize agree to attempt informal resolution. Contact [email protected] with details of your dispute. We will respond within 30 days and make a good-faith effort to resolve the matter.

16.3 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, any dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration, except as provided below. Arbitration shall be conducted in English according to the rules of the arbitration venue, as agreed by both parties. Costs of arbitration shall be shared equally.

16.4 Arbitration Opt-Out

You may opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to [email protected] within 30 days of creating your Account. If you opt out, disputes will be resolved in the courts of competent jurisdiction under the governing law specified in Section 16.1.

16.5 Exceptions to Arbitration

Rize may seek injunctive relief or enforcement of intellectual property rights in court without arbitration. Either party may pursue claims in small claims court if the claim is within that court's jurisdictional limits.

16.6 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any arbitration or legal action shall be on an individual basis. You waive the right to pursue claims as part of a class action, class arbitration, or representative proceeding.

17. Modifications to Terms

17.1 Right to Update

Rize reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be announced via email or in-app notification at least 14 days before taking effect.

17.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of modified Terms constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with changes, you must stop using the Platform and may delete your Account.

17.3 Changes Log

Rize will maintain a dated changelog of significant modifications to these Terms. Review the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document to check for recent changes.

18. Termination

18.1 Rize's Right to Terminate

Rize may suspend or permanently terminate your Account at any time, without notice or liability, if:

• You violate these Terms or Rize's Community Guidelines.
• You engage in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful conduct.
• You abuse the Platform or other users.
• Your Account is inactive for 12 consecutive months.
• Rize determines termination is necessary to protect the Platform or other users.

18.2 User's Right to Terminate

You may terminate your Account at any time by contacting [email protected] or through your Account settings. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.

18.3 Effect of Termination

Upon suspension or termination:

• Your access to the Platform ceases immediately.
• All Stars in your Account are forfeited and non-recoverable.
• Your Content may be archived or deleted according to the Privacy Policy.
• Any pending disputes or legal claims remain enforceable.
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature survive termination (Intellectual Property, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Dispute Resolution) remain in effect.

18.4 No Refunds Upon Termination

Termination of your Account does not entitle you to any refunds, recovery of Stars, or compensation, except as required by law.

19. Miscellaneous

19.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary, or if not possible, severed. The remaining Terms remain in full force.

19.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any separate agreements (federation, tournament, or partnership), constitute the entire agreement between you and Rize regarding the Platform.

19.3 Waiver

Rize's failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that or any other provision.

19.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without Rize's written consent. Rize may assign these Terms to affiliates or successors without notice.

19.5 Force Majeure

Rize is not liable for delays or failures in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, wars, government actions, third-party outages, or internet infrastructure failures.

19.6 Contact Information

For questions, complaints, or requests related to these Terms:

• General Support: [email protected]
• Legal & Privacy: [email protected]
• Data Protection: [email protected]