Background World

Help

Can't find your answer? Email support@bgworldlab.com. We reply within 2 business days.

Playing

What is Background World?

An AI game lab. We make games that are generated while you play, and release a new one every second Thursday at 6pm Eastern. The Big Board is our first release.

Is it free?

Offline play is always free and needs no account. Live runs, where the game is generated by AI as you play, use runs. You can try one live mission free without an account, and every new account gets 3 free runs. After that, packs are 12 runs for US$3 or 25 for US$5.

What is a live run?

One mission in which an AI model makes the game as you go, so every run is different. The game shows the cost and your balance before it uses a run. Once started, the mission stays open for 2 hours, so a refresh or a dropped connection doesn't cost you another run. More on the runs and refunds page.

Can I play on two devices?

Yes, with the same balance. You can have one live mission going at a time, and opening it on another device offers to continue it there.

Which devices work?

A current version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge, on a computer or phone. If a game won't load, try updating your browser or turning off content blockers for this site.

Live runs are paused. Why?

Free live runs share a daily limit, and paid runs have their own. When one is reached, new live runs of that kind pause until the next day, shown in your local time. Offline play still works, a mission already running is never stopped, and a refused attempt never uses a run. Each account can also start up to 60 live runs a day; email us if you need more.

Account and sign-in

How do I sign in?

Enter your email and we send you a sign-in link. There's no password. The link works once and expires after 15 minutes, so use the newest one.

The sign-in email didn't arrive.

Wait a couple of minutes, then check spam and promotions for an email from play@bgworldlab.com. Still nothing? Request a new link, or email us.

Can I change my email address?

Yes. Email us from your current address and tell us the new one. Your runs move with it.

How do I delete my account and data?

Email us from the address on your account and ask us to delete it. We delete your account within 30 days and confirm by email. We refund unused paid runs from packs bought in the last 180 days. Purchase records are kept for tax law. See the privacy policy.

Can I see what data you hold about me?

Yes. Email us from the address on your account and we'll send you a copy within 30 days.

Runs, payments and refunds

Do runs expire?

No. Runs stay in your balance as long as your account is open, across every release.

I paid but my runs didn't appear.

Refresh the page and make sure you're signed in with the email you paid with. If they're still missing after a few minutes, email us with the Stripe receipt and we'll add them or refund you.

A run broke partway through.

If a live run fails on our side, the run comes back to your balance automatically. If it didn't, email us with the time and we'll return it.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. Within 14 days of buying a pack, we refund the runs from it you haven't used. Just email us. If something else went wrong, tell us and we'll make it right. Details are on the runs and refunds page.

Where is my receipt?

Stripe emails a receipt when you pay. Check spam if it's missing, or email us and we'll resend it.

Safety

The game made something offensive or wrong.

Please tell us. Email support@bgworldlab.com with the game, the time and a screenshot. We fix what we find and return the run. See AI and safety.

Is it OK for kids?

Our games are for players 13 and over. To buy runs you need to be 18, or have a parent or guardian's permission.

Other

I need help with Mob Machine.

Mob Machine is a separate game with its own accounts and payments. Contact it through its own site.

Press, partners and everything else

Email hello@bgworldlab.com.