How to opt-out from 3rd party data-tracking?

[Kanakarhu]

Issue with the 3rd party tracking has been resolved.

Originally posted by Starrok:

The software in question will be removed within 24 hours and all already collected data purged. Old EULA will return. Hotfix is already in production. Sorry for all the negative emotions caused, we've learned a lot from this mistake.

Original post:
So, The Game developer has added third-party tracking software without providing and updated EULA. The EULA cannot be read without the download of the game which makes this whole thing even more interesting. Any thoughts?

I'm pretty sure this violates EU consumer rights so, I think we can to get money returned since this software is modified/altered in away that differences it with the original program?

Update 1:
Here is the EULA 3.1 for those who don't want to download the tracking tool, provided by my steam friend:


The User hereby agrees that Owlcat Games may collect, store for as long as the User is using the Software and not more than 1 year thereafter, and otherwise process information on the Software being used by the User, such as Device and IP address, platform, and operating system version, Device model, timestamp of the Software usage, Software version and ID number, information concerning the hardware and software installed on the User's Device, and any other anonymous technical and statistical information, which Owlcat Games requires in order to identify and eliminate problems with the operation of the Software, to improve the Software, and for marketing purposes. Moreover, Owlcat Games may process and store anonymous information gathered by means of the Software usage outlined above for an indefinite term. Thereby, the User hereby agrees that Owlcat Games has the right to upload software program files to User's Device, that will record CPU, RAM, operating system, video card, sound card, software and application of the other developers, peripherals, geolocation and any other anonymous technical and statistical information from User's computer. The User also agrees that Owlcat shall have the right to transfer the said anonymous information to its subcontractors, performing Game development, and vendors providing services necessary for operation of the Game.

[Moltavis]

I am a backer of the game, also long time player of PF Kingmaker and Pathfinder in general.
I don´t get the late implementation of the tracker. and I also don´t buy the reasoning stated in the update notes at all.
I want a possibility to opt-out of that.

[~ Fabulous ~]

I also do not support this tracking thing, more so when it can track what link I click

[THAC0]

Originally posted by Moltavis:

I am a backer of the game, also long time player of PF Kingmaker and Pathfinder in general.
I don´t get the late implementation of the tracker. and I also don´t buy the reasoning stated in the update notes at all.
I want a possibility to opt-out of that.

[SteveUK]

I totally agree. The reasons the developers are giving for adding this spyware makes no sense to me. I have uninstalled pathfinder until we are at least given the option to opt in or out.

[Aepervius]

Under EU GDPR as far as I remember you are supposed to *explicitely* ask for consent for any tracking. Which is why you often get those pop up about cookie on web site in EU.

Now it could be that they are going around that by anonymizing data or suchlike.

I don't care I find it utterly SCUMMY to add tracking where you can't opt out.

First thing I will do is ask windows firewall to retract any permission to pathfinder, then fire wireshark and make sure I don't see any traffic, then firewall it all off.

My PC, my ownership, my decision to allow traffic or not.

[attila-le-hun]

I have uninstalled the game too.

[ziroonderel]

same. if they don't implement an opt-out, this is my last Owlcat game (and I had bought both Pathfinders with most DLC).

[andy86]

Originally posted by ~ Fabulous ~:

I also do not support this tracking thing, more so when it can track what link I click

Just to be clear that isn't what Appflyer does. It will compare your machine Id with data collected on other websites to identify whether an advert from a website triggered your purchase rather than tracking all activity in the background.

It can do this as other sites utilise the same software and would have logged you viewing the advert.

I'm not a fan but it's not nearly as invasive as people are assuming.

[attila-le-hun]

Me too.

[Zane87]

Personally I think people are overreacting a tad.

That being said, adding this now out of nowhere (at least make a dev diary or something and explain what exactly get's tracked and how so that people understand) and not being able to opt out of it (which probably most will but still, this is what a consential choice looks like and some like me would leave it on still) sure is not a great way to sell this change.

Next time Owlcat, don't just add something like this. Explain exactly why you need this, what it changes in detail and what is the purpose of it (detailled, not just half a sentence) and the exact data tracked in detail.

It is nice that this tracker is commonly used (although most PC gamers would not want mobile phone cancer on their rig, although it also is used in some PC games) and I genuinely doubt it is even remotely as bad as people make it appear to be - but that is exactly the issue. Owlcat gave us no detailled explanation and thus people have to fear the worst. And I can't blame them one bit...

[Crusader993]

Originally posted by Moltavis:

I am a backer of the game, also long time player of PF Kingmaker and Pathfinder in general.
I don´t get the late implementation of the tracker. and I also don´t buy the reasoning stated in the update notes at all.
I want a possibility to opt-out of that.

I agree with that.

I stopped downloading the new patch.

Should this spyware not be or become optional, I will uninstall WotR after more than 1200 in-game hours of play.

I am very sad about this step by owlcat and fear bad things for the studio's reputation...

[Gadzooks]

Originally posted by Zane87:

Personally I think people are overreacting a tad.

When people become impartial to the little things, is when companies try to do something slightly bigger... and then bigger, etc.

People should always have full clarity of what is being put on their computer, and give them the option to NOT BUY if they dont agree. Had the game done this from the start, it wouldnt be an issue. But adding it to the game after people have bought the game and cant refund, is just malicious and very anti-consumer.

[soulfreezer]

Anybody knows where I can read the updated eula BEFORE installing the patch?

[Kanakarhu]

Originally posted by soulfreezer:

Anybody knows where I can read the updated eula BEFORE installing the patch?

I really tried to find it and it was asked in the comment section for the new update, only way to read it is to download the game.

[Moltavis]

I also get the reasoning behind implementing it, but doing it like that is the wrong way.
You (Owlcat) destroy and diminish all good will from the community you built over the years.
Please rethink your decision.
Exactly describe what the tracker does, how it operates and what it sends.
And make it OPTIONAL !