Jackson Reid
Mini Golf King is a mobile sports game for iOS and Android devices. The game has been reviewed by Common Sense Media, which raises concerns about its privacy and data-sharing practices, particularly regarding the potential sale of user data to third parties. While the game does not sell or rent personal information, the privacy evaluation highlights areas where the handling of user data is unclear, including whether data is shared for third-party marketing and personalised advertising. The game also offers in-app purchases and the ability to play for real money, which has been criticised as a form of gambling, especially given the pressure on players to wager cash.
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What You'll Learn
Mini Golf King's privacy evaluation
Mini Golf King is a sports game available on iOS and Android devices. The game has received a privacy evaluation by Common Sense, which is designed to help educators and parents make informed decisions about the privacy implications of the technology used by the game.
The Common Sense Privacy Evaluation for Mini Golf King used policies 1 and 2, which are publicly available, to conduct the evaluation. The evaluation found that the game does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. However, it is unclear whether personal information is shared for third-party marketing, and data is collected by third parties for their own purposes. The evaluation also did not assess whether users can opt out of the sale or disclosure of their data to third parties, or whether they can delete their information before it is transferred. It is also unclear whether data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements, and whether parental consent is required before personal information is collected or disclosed.
The evaluation also notes that Mini Golf King displays personalised advertising and collects personally identifiable information (PII), with the categories of PII indicated. It is unclear whether the collection or use of data is limited to product requirements, and whether the game collects geolocation data. The evaluation did not assess whether the company describes their de-identification process of user information, or whether data is shared for research or product improvement.
The privacy report for Mini Golf King shows a mix of better privacy practices, indicated by green check marks, and risky or unclear practices, indicated by orange alerts. The evaluation criteria are freely available to the public.
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The game's pay-to-play option
Mini Golf King is a free-to-download mobile game for iOS and Android devices. While the game is free to play, it does offer in-app purchases and a pay-to-play option.
The game also features its own virtual currency, which can be earned by winning tournaments, obtaining trophies, or logging in daily. This virtual currency can be used to play practice rounds, which cost a certain amount to enter. Players can also unlock chests containing new golf equipment and upgrades by progressing through the game and advancing in weekly leagues.
The pay-to-play option in Mini Golf King has raised concerns among parents and reviewers. They argue that the game heavily pushes users, especially children, to spend money. This is exacerbated by the slow pace of the game, which can cause frustration and potentially influence players to spend money to improve their performance.
Overall, while Mini Golf King offers a free-to-play experience, its pay-to-play option and in-app purchases encourage users to spend money, potentially impacting the gameplay and experience for those who choose not to pay.
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The app's data privacy and security practices
Mini Golf King is available on the web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. While the app does not sell or rent users' personal information to third parties, it is unclear whether personal information is shared for third-party marketing. The app does, however, display personalised advertising, and data is collected by third parties for their own purposes. Users' information is used to target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
The app collects personally identifiable information (PII), but it is unclear whether users can create or upload content, or whether the app provides processes to access and review user data. In the event of a data breach, users will be notified.
Mini Golf King's privacy policy outlines that they take appropriate security and technical measures to protect user information from unauthorised access, loss, and misuse. They also request that their partners who process personal information on their behalf employ a range of security measures to protect personal information and maintain an appropriate level of security.
However, it is unclear whether the app limits employee or physical access to user information, and whether third-party transfers are contractually required to use the same privacy practices. Additionally, the evaluation of the app's privacy practices did not assess whether users can opt out of the disclosure or sale of their data to a third party, or whether they are notified if their information is transferred.
It is important to note that Mini Golf King's privacy practices may vary based on the user's region and age, and users are encouraged to review the app's privacy policy and settings to understand how their data is collected and shared.
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Mini Golf King's Common Sense Media review
Mini Golf King is a sports game for iOS and Android devices. The game has a minimal amount of instruction and tutorial tips, which could easily cause frustration for players. For example, they'll have to figure out the game's ball-shooting trajectory tool for themselves. The goal of the game is to find the fastest route to get the ball in the hole. Players "swing" by dragging and releasing their finger near the ball to send it down the course.
Digital golfers will get a chance to putt around 35 courses that include pyramids, drawbridges, and other elements while facing off against anonymous players. Users can either pay with the app's virtual currency, Z, earned by winning tournaments, getting trophies, or as a daily login bonus, or deposit real-world cash and play other users for profits. They'll also get Ticketz for playing, which they can use on in-app prizes.
While the image of the ball swaying back and forth before coming to a complete stop is graphically elegant, you can't swing again until it's completely still. That slows down gameplay, which makes things less exciting and somewhat frustrating, since the rounds are timed. It can also take a while for the app to find someone for you to play at times, which is just annoying. Finally, the pay-to-play option, which lets users upload and play for real money, is another big concern; while the developer says it isn't technically gambling because competitions are based on ability rather than chance, players are still heavily pushed to wager cash to play against other users on a regular basis. If you're looking for a mini-golf game, look for a different course.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of their funders, affiliates, or partners.
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The game's ball-shooting mechanics
Mini Golf King is a sports game for iOS and Android devices. The game has simple and intuitive controls, with a drag-and-release functionality similar to playing pool. To shoot the ball, players drag their finger back and release it to shoot towards the hole. The game also features a ball-shooting trajectory tool, which players must figure out for themselves as the game provides minimal instruction and tutorial tips.
Players must aim and shoot carefully to collect the most gems while taking the fastest route to the hole. They can also use their ball to clash against their opponent's ball to take out their gems. The game has over 50 unique holes, with various challenges and obstacles such as tube slides, drawbridges, pyramids, and bomb traps.
To strike the ball, players swipe and release their finger near the ball to send it down the course. The game's controls are simple and intuitive, allowing players to aim and shoot with precision. The game also features a power meter that fills up as the player holds down their finger, allowing them to adjust the power of their shot.
The game offers a variety of game modes, including a Hole-in-One Challenge and a Tour Challenge, where players can show off their trick shots. Players can also connect with their Facebook friends to play online matches and send and receive free gifts. The game has a multiplayer option, allowing players to compete against others in real-time.
Overall, the ball-shooting mechanics in Mini Golf King are easy to learn but challenging to master, providing a fun and addictive gameplay experience for players of all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Mini Golf King does not sell or rent out personal information to third parties. However, it is unclear whether personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
Mini Golf King does display personalised advertising. It is also unclear whether the product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Mini Golf King has been criticised for its pay-to-play option, which lets users upload and play for real money. While the developer says it isn't technically gambling, players are pushed to wager cash regularly.
