The fine print

Terms of Service

The rules of the couch. Short version: bring your own games, be decent, and remember this is a project in active testing.

Effective date: [EFFECTIVE DATE] · Last updated: [EFFECTIVE DATE]

1. The service

Virtual Couch is a browser-based platform that lets a host run a game locally and share the session with remote guests, who participate by sending controller input and receiving the shared game stream. The service is in active testing (MVP stage) and is provided as-is while it evolves.

2. Accounts

  • You need an account to host or take a seat. One person, one account.
  • You're responsible for keeping your credentials safe and for activity under your account.
  • You must provide an accurate email address — it's how confirmation and recovery work.

3. Your game files are your responsibility

Virtual Couch does not provide, host, sell, or distribute game files. You are solely responsible for ensuring you have the legal right to possess and use any file you load into the service. Game files are processed locally in your browser and are not uploaded to Virtual Couch infrastructure.

4. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

  • Use the service for anything unlawful in your jurisdiction or ours.
  • Use the service to distribute, solicit, or facilitate access to pirated content.
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users — on or off the couch.
  • Attempt to breach, probe, or disrupt the service, its authentication, or other users' sessions.
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation.

5. Intellectual property

Game titles, console names, and trademarks referenced on this site belong to their respective owners and are referenced for compatibility identification only. Virtual Couch is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo, Sega, Sony, SNK, Capcom, Konami, or any other rights holder. See the Copyright / Disclaimer page.

6. Availability

The service is in testing. Features may change, break, or disappear; sessions may fail; data may be reset. We aim for honesty over polish — check Milestones for what's real today. We don't guarantee uptime or uninterrupted availability.

7. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Virtual Couch and its operator are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the service — including lost save data, failed sessions, or time spent on a couch that didn't work out. Your use is at your own risk.

8. Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts that breach these terms. You may delete your account at any time via the contact page.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Disputes fall under the jurisdiction of South African courts.

10. Changes

We may update these terms as the service evolves. The current version lives on this page with its effective date; continued use after a change means you accept the updated terms.

11. Contact

Questions about these terms: our contact address.