POLICY PLAYSPACE: DATA USE AGREEMENT

For Beta Testing & Research Purposes

1. INTRODUCTION

This Data Use Agreement (“Agreement”) governs the collection, use, and protection of user data generated during beta testing and research activities for Policy Playspace: Program Prototyper (Px4), a simulation visual novel RPG adventure game focused on policy and program development.

2. DEFINITIONS

  • Game Data: Information generated through player interaction with Policy Playspace, including but not limited to: gameplay choices, completion rates, time spent in various game sections, resource allocation decisions, stakeholder interaction patterns, and output content created.
  • Personal Information: Information that could directly identify a participant, such as name, email address, or other contact details.
  • Anonymized Data: Game data that has been processed to remove all personal information and any identifiable characteristics.
  • Aggregate Data: Compiled anonymized data from multiple participants presented as statistics or patterns.

3. DATA COLLECTION

During beta testing and research activities, we collect:

  • Player choices and decision points throughout gameplay
  • Time spent on various tasks and with different stakeholders
  • Completion rates for objectives and overall game progression
  • Resource allocation decisions (HP, XP, and funds management)
  • Content created during gameplay tasks (e.g., resume, literature review, budgets)
  • Gameplay patterns and pathways chosen
  • Survey responses related to player experience (optional)
  • Technical performance data (e.g., crashes, errors)

4. PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION

The data collected will be used exclusively for:

  • Improving game design and user experience
  • Analyzing effectiveness of educational components
  • Assessing usability and identifying interface issues
  • Measuring learning outcomes and skill development
  • Academic research on serious games for professional development
  • Validation of game mechanics and educational objectives
  • Publication of research findings in academic contexts (using anonymized data only)

5. DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY

We commit to protecting participant privacy through:

  • Removal of all personal identifiers from collected data
  • Assignment of random participant codes for data tracking
  • Secure storage of all data on encrypted systems
  • Limited access to raw data (restricted to authorized research team members)
  • Separation of consent forms and participant identities from gameplay data
  • Implementation of data security protocols compliant with academic research standards
  • Deletion of raw data after completion of research activities (maximum 3 years)

6. ANONYMIZATION PROCEDURES

All data used for analysis and research will undergo:

  • Removal of all personal identifiers
  • Aggregation of data where appropriate
  • Generalization of potentially identifying characteristics
  • Review by privacy officer before use in publications
  • Random code assignment to replace any personal identifiers

7. PARTICIPANT RIGHTS

Beta testers and research participants maintain the following rights:

  • Withdrawal from data collection at any time
  • Request for deletion of their specific data (prior to anonymization)
  • Access to research findings upon project completion
  • Option to decline specific types of data collection
  • Receipt of clear information about how their data will be used

8. REPORTING AND PUBLICATION

When reporting findings:

  • Only anonymized and/or aggregate data will be published
  • No individual participant will be identifiable in any publication
  • Quoted content from participant-created materials will be reviewed to ensure anonymity
  • Research partners will be bound by the same confidentiality requirements
  • Participants will be notified of publications resulting from the research

9. DATA SHARING

  • Anonymized research datasets may be shared with academic collaborators under strict confidentiality agreements
  • No raw data containing personal information will be shared outside the immediate research team
  • Any data sharing will comply with institutional research ethics guidelines

10. CONSENT PROCESS

Prior to participation, all beta testers and research participants will:

  • Receive this Data Use Agreement
  • Complete an informed consent process
  • Have opportunities to ask questions about data usage
  • Be clearly informed that gameplay will be recorded for research
  • Provide explicit consent for participation in research activities

11. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions or concerns regarding data use may be directed to:

Abigail Peterson at Policy Playspace and Universal Code

me@abbyp.me

12. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By participating in the Policy Playspace beta testing and research program, participants acknowledge they have read and understand this Data Use Agreement.

This document was last updated on 3/20/25