Terms of Service

Overview

This website is operated by Ethan Dirks Inc. DBA Puzzle Punks (hereby referred to as we, us, our, I, me, and my). We offer this website conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here.

Introduction

By accessing or using playpuzzlepunks.com and all subdomains (hereby referred to as Puzzle Punks), you agree to be bound by this agreement. Puzzle Punks encompasses both the web page components (hereby referred to as the site) and the video game components (hereby referred to as the game). The site provides access to important information, teacher tools, and resources — while the game is simply the video game itself. Your use of both the site and the game signifies your acceptance of the terms in this document.

Site and Game Description

The site provides teachers with supplementary resources related to the game, including links to play, instructions, information, and more. The game itself consists of three core components, hosted at the following URLs: the gameplay at playpuzzlepunks.com/go, the debriefing at playpuzzlepunks.com/html/debrief, and the answer key embedded within the teacher portal (an iframe linking to a modified version of the gameplay). The game comes in many variants (hereby referred to as escape rooms), each tailored to different subjects, grade levels, and themes or seasons — which can be accessed using unique access PINs provided to teachers upon purchase. In each escape room, small teams of students work through standards-based educational challenges to unlock codes before time runs out. These escape rooms feature interactive puzzles, colorful artwork, quirky characters, and hidden lore, creating an engaging and unique experience for students.

Accessibility Disclaimer

The site aims to be in full compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and is regularly audited to ensure continued compliance. However, the game itself, while hosted online, is not considered a "web page" as defined by the W3C. It is a fully-fledged video game designed with complex interactive elements that are integral to the gameplay experience, and it may not be fully accessible. These elements, including cryptograms, hidden text, and time-sensitive challenges, are essential mechanics of the game and are crucial to its core design and enjoyment. Modifying or removing these mechanics would fundamentally alter the purpose and experience of the game.

Content Disclaimer

Puzzle Punks is intended for recreation only — not as an assessment, replacement, or supplement for standard instruction. While we strive to create engaging, standards-based, grade-level-appropriate escape rooms, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of our products. We are not liable for any discrepancies or misalignment between our content and the specific educational requirements of your classroom.

Licensing

Each purchase of a Puzzle Punks escape room grants the purchaser one (1) single license for unlimited use of the purchased escape room in their classrooms. This license is non-expiring and may be used as often as the purchaser chooses. However, the purchaser may not share their purchased escape room with other educators. Each additional educator must purchase a separate license for their own use.

Educator Liability

Teachers and educators are responsible for determining the suitability of Puzzle Punks for their classrooms and students. We encourage educators to review and test all content before use to ensure its educational value and appropriateness. Educators assume responsibility for the content's usage and its effects within their classrooms.

Classroom Use

Teachers are responsible for monitoring their students' use of Puzzle Punks and ensuring that students follow proper guidelines and behavior while interacting with the site and the game. We are not liable for any actions, behavior, or interactions that occur between users within the classroom. By using Puzzle Punks in a classroom setting, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ethan Dirks Inc. DBA Puzzle Punks, its officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising from your use of our games and content within the classroom.

Prohibited Behavior

You agree to use Puzzle Punks only in the spirit in which it was intended: as an engaging video game for recreation, not as an assessment or substitute for standard instruction. You may not modify the Puzzle Punks source code or assets. You may not share your copy of a Puzzle Punks escape room or its access PIN with any other educator.

Copyright

All materials on the site, including the organization and layout, are owned and copyrighted by Ethan Dirks Inc. DBA Puzzle Punks. These materials may be accessed or printed only for your personal, non-commercial use. Without prior written permission, you may not copy, distribute, or transfer any content from the site, in whole or in part.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Ethan Dirks Inc. DBA Puzzle Punks, its officers, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or other intangible losses, resulting from your access to or use of, or inability to access or use, Puzzle Punks and any related services. In no event shall our total liability to you for all claims arising from or related to your use of the site or game exceed the amount paid by you to Ethan Dirks Inc. DBA Puzzle Punks for the specific service at issue in the prior twelve (12) months.

Changes & Contact

This Terms of Service is effective as of 8/07/2023. Changes to this document will be posted here. We will not contact users about updates, so please check back regularly. For any questions about this Terms of Service, please contact [email protected].