general_game_submission_guidelines
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| Every bit of information is important and we appreciate all you do. Whether your submission is a small bit of info or a completely filled out page, we give credit on the game page to each item contributed. It's our way of saying thanks to the community and making each member a part of this website. | Every bit of information is important and we appreciate all you do. Whether your submission is a small bit of info or a completely filled out page, we give credit on the game page to each item contributed. It's our way of saying thanks to the community and making each member a part of this website. | ||
| - | One thing to note however, is that we do not accept submissions of pirated games or illegal homebrews. Licensed or legal homebrews, however, are permitted. | + | One thing to note however, is that we **//do not//** accept submissions of pirated games or illegal homebrews. Licensed or legal homebrews, however, are permitted. |
| If you do not understand something you see here in this guide, or have questions of any kind, please PM a staff member. We are here to help you and are all well-versed in how these submission scripts work. | If you do not understand something you see here in this guide, or have questions of any kind, please PM a staff member. We are here to help you and are all well-versed in how these submission scripts work. | ||
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| ==== Add Game Additions ==== | ==== Add Game Additions ==== | ||
| This is where you add new games if they aren't found after searching the database. Adding as much information as you can will greatly improve the time it takes for staff to review and approve them. Be careful of your spelling while you perform a search, often it's a minor spelling error that prevents you from finding the game you are looking for. | This is where you add new games if they aren't found after searching the database. Adding as much information as you can will greatly improve the time it takes for staff to review and approve them. Be careful of your spelling while you perform a search, often it's a minor spelling error that prevents you from finding the game you are looking for. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you have a preorder for a certain game or if you want to add an upcoming release, **//please hold off on adding it until the day of release approaches//**. Often times a game can be delayed for up to a year or more, handed off to a different publisher or even cancelled entirely. Waiting to add a new game until its release is imminent ensures that the database stays accurate and reduces confusion. | ||
| ==== Add Game Variation ==== | ==== Add Game Variation ==== | ||
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| Label variations, cover artwork differences, etc are not considered variations, but should be submitted as scans under the Add Game Image link for the game in question. | Label variations, cover artwork differences, etc are not considered variations, but should be submitted as scans under the Add Game Image link for the game in question. | ||
| - | Also, if you have say for example an Italian language version of a U.K. game, or say a bilingual Canadian version of a North American game, this is where you submit it. If you have a game that appears to be a regionwide release but has extra manuals and/or covers wrapped around the original ones, submit that as extra media for the regionwide listing. | + | Also, if you have say for example an Italian language version of a UK game, or say a bilingual Canadian version of a North American game, this is where you submit it. If you have a game that appears to be a regionwide release but has extra manuals and/or covers wrapped around the original ones, submit that as extra media for the regionwide listing. |
| ==== Add Game Edit ==== | ==== Add Game Edit ==== | ||
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| ==== Title ==== | ==== Title ==== | ||
| - | This is where you type the title of the game your submitting. Must be the exact name of the game as shown on it's case. Also to make searches easier, we ask that you place "The" at the end of the title and before a subtitle where applicable. An Example is //**Legend of Zelda, The: Four Swords Adventures**//. If you have Limited or Collectors editions, see below. | + | This is where you type the title of the game your submitting. It must be the exact name of the game as shown on its case. Also to make searches easier, we ask that you place "The" at the end of the title and before a subtitle where applicable. An Example is //**Legend of Zelda, The: Four Swords Adventures**//. If you have Limited or Collectors editions, see below. |
| ==== Variation title ==== | ==== Variation title ==== | ||
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| ==== Console ==== | ==== Console ==== | ||
| This is where you choose the game system your game belongs to. If you have a game that was made for multiple systems like one made for both PC and Mac, submit it for the system you own it for. Feel free to submit it under the other system(s) it is listed for as well. | This is where you choose the game system your game belongs to. If you have a game that was made for multiple systems like one made for both PC and Mac, submit it for the system you own it for. Feel free to submit it under the other system(s) it is listed for as well. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Release Type ==== | ||
| + | Here you select which type of release a game is. If you are adding a new release, generally you will select "Original Release" as your Release Type unless it is a Collector's Edition/Special Edition, demo disc or a homebrew release; in those cases you will use the appropriate Release Type. This field is especially important when submitting a variation as it helps determine what kind of variation it is (i.e. a packaging variation, a different media format, etc.). For more information check out the [[Release Type Guidelines]]. | ||
| ==== Country / Region ==== | ==== Country / Region ==== | ||
| - | Take special note, as this one can get tricky from time to time. Regions are the geographic locations where a certain version of a game is released. Nine times out of 10 a game is a regionwide release. So when choosing region, make sure you look for that listing in the script i.e. North America (region wide), or Europe (region wide), as opposed to the country you live in. If you are //**absolutely sure**// you have a game released in only one of the countries of that region, then choose it, but only if you're 100% positive. | + | Take special note, as this one can get tricky from time to time. Regions are the geographic locations where a certain version of a game is released. Most times a game is a regionwide release. So when choosing region, make sure you look for that listing in the script i.e. North America (region wide), or Europe (region wide), as opposed to the country you live in. If you are //**absolutely sure**// you have a game released in only one of the countries of that region, then choose it, but only if you're 100% positive. This is especially important for European releases which can have different variations for each country. |
| Also, if you live in a country or region that doesn't show up on our list, PM one of the admins. We can add the country or region for you. | Also, if you live in a country or region that doesn't show up on our list, PM one of the admins. We can add the country or region for you. | ||
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| ==== Year ==== | ==== Year ==== | ||
| - | This is where you type in the year in which the game was released. Keep in mind that a year displayed on a title screen may not be the year it was released. | + | This is where you type in the year in which the game was released. Keep in mind that a year displayed on a title screen may not be the year it was released. |
| - | ==== Part number ==== | + | ==== Part Number ==== |
| Sometimes as collectors and consumers we like to be super-accurate and detailed about our games. Other times we need detailed information for reference while purchasing or trying to make a game complete in box. That is why we have part numbers. They identify a game as well as help in determining what release they belong to, and if there are supposed to be multiple discs and sometimes even what region they are from. Part numbers can be found printed or stamped on the games themselves, and sometimes the manuals, cases and any extras a game comes with. As a rule of thumb, always submit the number found on the game itself first and foremost, since each part usually has its own number. That way, it's fair to those who may have loose games. Should there be multiple part numbers, place them after the first one with commas between them. | Sometimes as collectors and consumers we like to be super-accurate and detailed about our games. Other times we need detailed information for reference while purchasing or trying to make a game complete in box. That is why we have part numbers. They identify a game as well as help in determining what release they belong to, and if there are supposed to be multiple discs and sometimes even what region they are from. Part numbers can be found printed or stamped on the games themselves, and sometimes the manuals, cases and any extras a game comes with. As a rule of thumb, always submit the number found on the game itself first and foremost, since each part usually has its own number. That way, it's fair to those who may have loose games. Should there be multiple part numbers, place them after the first one with commas between them. | ||
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| ==== UPC / Barcode ==== | ==== UPC / Barcode ==== | ||
| - | For decades, game boxes and cases have had UPC/barcodes on them. Beside the obvious retail usage, they provide us with another means to identify a game that is unique to each title. If you search for a game and it has a UPC listed on its page that doesn't not match yours, you may have a variation or perhaps the one listed is. If so, PM a staff member who works for one of the game database teams of that region that game is from and they will help you. When you add a UPC to a game addition or game edit, please make the number one long string i.e. **663593320121**. If there are more numbers like **00100** in the upper corner, hit the space bar and add them in parentheses like this: (**00100**). As we standardize the database and bring uniformity to its listings, sometimes we have to go back and edit old entries to bring them up to standard. So if you see UPCs that don't follow this standard, such as spaces between numbers in the UPC, feel free to submit a page edit fixing them. | + | For decades, game boxes and cases have had barcodes (also known as a UPC or EAN) on them. Beside the obvious retail usage, they provide us with another means to identify a game that is unique to each title. If you search for a game and it has a barcode listed on its page that doesn't not match yours, you may have a variation or perhaps the one listed is. If so, PM a staff member who works for one of the game database teams of that region that game is from and they will help you. When you add a barcode to a game addition or game edit, please make the number is one long string i.e. **663593320121**. If there are more numbers like **00100** in the upper corner, hit the space bar and add them in parentheses like this: (**00100**). As we standardize the database and bring uniformity to its listings, sometimes we have to go back and edit old entries to bring them up to standard. So if you see barcodes that don't follow this standard, such as spaces between numbers in the barcode, feel free to submit a page edit fixing them. |
| - | Also, if a game predates UPCs or simply doesn't have one, then type N/A in the UPC field to specify that it doesn't have one. Be 110% sure that it doesn't before you do! | + | Also, if a game predates barcodes or simply doesn't have one, then type N/A in the UPC field to specify that it doesn't have one. Be 110% sure that it doesn't before you do! |
| ==== Developer ==== | ==== Developer ==== | ||
| - | This is where the company or individual who made the game gets their due. Not to be confused with the publisher. If you're unsure, type in who you think developed it and the staff will review it and change it if necessary. If the developer is the same as the publisher, simply copy/paste the same name into this field as well. | + | This is where the company or individual(s) who made the game gets their due. Not to be confused with the publisher. If you're unsure, type in who you think developed it and the staff will review it and change it if necessary. If the developer is the same as the publisher, simply copy/paste the same name into this field as well. |
| + | |||
| + | For ports of games that first appeared on a different platform (i.e. a port of an arcade game), use the name of the company or individual(s) that ported the game, //not// those who developed the original version of the game. As an example, the developer for Dig Dug on the Atari 2600 should be General Computer (the company that ported it to the 2600), **not** Namco (who developed the original arcade game). | ||
| ==== Publisher ==== | ==== Publisher ==== | ||
| Echoing what was written for the developer field, this one is for the publisher of the game. This is usually the name displayed most prominently on the front of the box in most instances. Again, if you're unsure, type in who you believe published it and the staff will review it and change it if necessary. | Echoing what was written for the developer field, this one is for the publisher of the game. This is usually the name displayed most prominently on the front of the box in most instances. Again, if you're unsure, type in who you believe published it and the staff will review it and change it if necessary. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Sometimes games will be published by multiple companies, such as Star Wars Rogue Squadron for the Nintendo 64, which was published by both LucasArts and Nintendo. For these games, the publisher field should have both names added with a slash in between like this: "LucasArts / Nintendo" | ||
| ==== Genre ==== | ==== Genre ==== | ||
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| ==== Subgenre ==== | ==== Subgenre ==== | ||
| - | Sometimes the Genre field is too vague, or only half-describes the type of game it is. When that happens, use the Subgenre field to choose another descriptive term. For example, if you have a game like Final Fantasy Tactics, it is a Genre: Strategy Subgenre: RPG, or a game like Super Mario 64 which is a Genre: Action/Adventure Subgenre: Platformer. Not every game needs or has a subgenre, so use your judgment in each case. | + | Sometimes the Genre field is too vague, or only half-describes the type of game it is. When that happens, use the Subgenre field to choose another descriptive term. For example, if you have a game like Final Fantasy Tactics, it is a Genre: Strategy Subgenre: RPG, or a game like Super Mario 64 which is a Genre: Platformer Subgenre: 3D Platformer. Not every game needs or has a subgenre, so use your judgment in each case. |
| ==== Players ==== | ==== Players ==== | ||
| - | This is where you type in how many players the game supports. Whether it's **1, 1-2, 1-2 Co-op, 1-16 Online** etc., this is where it goes. Also, if a game requires a multitap for more than two players, add it as well i.e. **1-4 (Multitap)** or whatever the name of the peripheral may be. If a game requires something not specified and needs a special note, add it to the instructions field further down the page with a page edit after your game has been added to the database, or as a page edit of an existing game. | + | This is where you type in how many players the game supports. Whether it's **1, 1-2, 2-16 Online** etc., this is where it goes. Also, if a game requires a multitap for more than two players, add it as well i.e. **1-4 (Multitap)** or whatever the name of the peripheral may be. For a game that has online play, add the number of local players followed by (2-//Max amount of online players//). If a game requires something not specified and needs a special note, add it to the instructions field further down the page with a page edit after your game has been added to the database, or as a page edit of an existing game. |
| ==== Control Scheme ==== | ==== Control Scheme ==== | ||
| Unless the game requires a specialized controller, always use **Standard Controller** as your entry here. If it requires something unique, or supports something unique, add it to the field as well. | Unless the game requires a specialized controller, always use **Standard Controller** as your entry here. If it requires something unique, or supports something unique, add it to the field as well. | ||
| - | Here's a few examples for reference. Super Mario Bros.: Standard Controller, Guitar Hero: Standard Controller or Guitar Controller, Silent Scope: Standard Controller or Light Gun, Excite truck: Wii Remote, Super Mario Galaxy: Wii Remote + Nunchuk, Brain Academy DS: Stylus, Doom II (PC) Keyboard + Mouse. | + | Here's a few examples for reference. Super Mario Bros.: Standard Controller, Guitar Hero: Standard Controller or Guitar Controller, Silent Scope: Standard Controller or Light Gun, Excite Truck: Wii Remote, Super Mario Galaxy: Wii Remote + Nunchuk, Brain Academy DS: Stylus, Doom II (PC) Keyboard + Mouse. |
| As far as handheld game systems like the Game Boy, Atari Lynx, Neo Geo Pocket Color etc., use **System Controls** as its control scheme. Sometimes this field can be a bit tricky as well, so PM a staff member if you need help. | As far as handheld game systems like the Game Boy, Atari Lynx, Neo Geo Pocket Color etc., use **System Controls** as its control scheme. Sometimes this field can be a bit tricky as well, so PM a staff member if you need help. | ||
| ==== Media Format ==== | ==== Media Format ==== | ||
| - | Another straightforward field, this is for the type of media a game comes on and is pretty self explanatory when you look through the list. Remember too that you can scroll the list, as there may be specific media types like "Wii Optical Disc" that should be chosen over "DVD". Also don't confuse 5.25" floppy for the 3.5" floppy. The 5.25" floppies are the large ones used in the 80's and early 90's while the 3.5" floppies are the ones we have all used up to just a few years ago. | + | Another straightforward field, this is for the type of media a game comes on and is pretty self explanatory when you look through the list. Remember too that you can scroll the list, as there may be specific media types like "Wii Optical Disc" that should be chosen over "DVD". Also don't confuse 5.25" floppy for the 3.5" floppy. The 5.25" floppies are the large ones used in the 80s and early 90s while the 3.5" floppies are the ones some of us have all used up to 15 years ago. |
| ==== Media Quantity ==== | ==== Media Quantity ==== | ||
| - | If a game has more than one disc/disk/cartridge/cassette etc., enter that number here. By default, it is automatically set to 0 because most games have a single media item and it keeps the "x1" which is unnecessary, off of the game page. | + | If a game has more than one disc/disk/cartridge/cassette etc., enter that number here. By default, it is automatically set to 0 because most games have a single media item and it keeps the "x1", which is unnecessary, off of the game page. |
| ==== Game Rating ==== | ==== Game Rating ==== | ||
| - | For many years games have had ratings to determine age-appropriate content in many parts of the world. From the ESRB in North America, to the ELSPA/PEGI in Europe, CERO in Japan, OFLC in Australia/New Zealand and many others specific to individual countries. There are also outdated rating systems like the RSAC, VRC etc, made by game companies to rate their own titles. This information benefits RF Generation not only as a reference for members when buying games, but also as a way to determine if a game has been entered into its proper region. For example, a staff member can determine that a game with a USK rating is German in origin, and its scans do not belong in the game listing for North America. | + | For many years games have had ratings to determine age-appropriate content in many parts of the world. From the ESRB in North America, to the ELSPA and PEGI in Europe, CERO in Japan, OFLC in Australia/New Zealand and many others specific to individual countries. There are also outdated rating systems like the RSAC, VRC etc, made by game companies to rate their own titles. This information benefits RF Generation not only as a reference for members when buying games, but also as a way to determine if a game has been entered into its proper region. For example, a staff member can determine that a game with a USK rating is German in origin, and its scans do not belong in the game listing for North America. |
| Not every game has a rating however, as it didn't become a common practice until the early 1990s. So when looking for the rating, keep that in mind. If a game is unrated, leave the Rating field blank. The game scripts also detect, based on region, what ratings system to use. So all you have to do is select the rating from the dropdown list and select the descriptors (if necessary) by clicking each one while holding down the "Ctrl" (or "Command" if you're using a Mac) key. If a game you're adding is missing its region's rating system or descriptors, PM one of the admins and they will add it. | Not every game has a rating however, as it didn't become a common practice until the early 1990s. So when looking for the rating, keep that in mind. If a game is unrated, leave the Rating field blank. The game scripts also detect, based on region, what ratings system to use. So all you have to do is select the rating from the dropdown list and select the descriptors (if necessary) by clicking each one while holding down the "Ctrl" (or "Command" if you're using a Mac) key. If a game you're adding is missing its region's rating system or descriptors, PM one of the admins and they will add it. | ||
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| ==== Overview ==== | ==== Overview ==== | ||
| - | This is where you describe the game and its features. Not to be confused with a review, this is a summary of what the game is. You can choose to write it yourself or as many here do, type what is found on the back of the box/case. If you have a game with multiple languages, please feel free to type them too, the members who speak and read those languages will thank you for it. | + | This is where you describe the game and its features. Not to be confused with a review, this is a summary of what the game is. You can choose to write it yourself, or as many here do, type what is found on the back of the box/case. If you have a game with multiple languages, please feel free to type them too, the members who speak and read those languages will thank you for it. |
| Although it should be obvious, we hope that you will use caps, punctuation and HTML when needed, but the staff will review them and help out wherever they can. So don't feel intimidated if you don't know HTML, it's easy to learn, easy to use, and we'll help you figure it all out. You can also go to a game page that is filled out, click the submit info button, and view the methods and codes used to fill these fields out. | Although it should be obvious, we hope that you will use caps, punctuation and HTML when needed, but the staff will review them and help out wherever they can. So don't feel intimidated if you don't know HTML, it's easy to learn, easy to use, and we'll help you figure it all out. You can also go to a game page that is filled out, click the submit info button, and view the methods and codes used to fill these fields out. | ||
| ==== Review ==== | ==== Review ==== | ||
| - | Do you love the game? Hate it? Let us know. Keep in mind that we don't want people filling out hate reviews or fanboy rants, but good, honest perspectives on the game. Both positive and negative reviews are welcome and if a gamepage already has one, you can still add another to it. One other thing we ask is that you don't copy/paste someone else's review. Each part of a submission gets credited to whoever submitted it and it's not fair or right to steal someone else's hard work, in many cases it's actually illegal. | + | Do you love the game? Hate it? Let us know. Keep in mind that we don't want people filling out hate reviews or fanboy rants, but good, honest perspectives on the game. Both positive and negative reviews are welcome and if a game page already has one, you can still add another to it. One other thing we ask is that you don't copy/paste someone else's review. Each part of a submission gets credited to whoever submitted it and it's not fair or right to steal someone else's hard work, in many cases it's actually illegal. |
| //**Don't forget to add your name to your review like this page so we can keep multiple reviews separate!**// | //**Don't forget to add your name to your review like this page so we can keep multiple reviews separate!**// | ||
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| ==== Related games ==== | ==== Related games ==== | ||
| - | Does the game have a prequel, a sequel or a spiritual successor? This is where you can list that title. How it works is that each game in the database has its own ID. For example, the North American version of Ghostbusters for the NES has an a sequel called Ghostbusters II. Since they are related, you take the ID found on the game page for Ghostbusters II which in this case is **U-027-S-02570-A** and you add it to the "Related Games" field. If you have more than one to add, separate each one with the "|" character like this: **U-027-S-02900-A|U-027-S-02910-A** | + | Does the game have a prequel, a sequel or a spiritual successor? Was it released on multiple consoles? This is where you can list that title. How it works is that each game in the database has its own ID. For example, the North American version of Ghostbusters for the NES has an a sequel called Ghostbusters II. Since they are related, you take the ID found on the game page for Ghostbusters II which in this case is **U-027-S-02570-A** and you add it to the "Related Games" field. If you have more than one to add, separate each one with the "|" character like this: **U-027-S-02900-A|U-027-S-02910-A** |
| ==== Game Trivia ==== | ==== Game Trivia ==== | ||
| - | Fun facts and interesting tidbits of a game go here. Like specifics on its original retail price, release date, title changes during development, celebrity involvement, removed content, etc. Basically the kind of information you may not hear about anywhere else, but adds character to a game and its history. | + | Fun facts and interesting tidbits of a game go here, like specifics on its original retail price, release date, title changes during development, celebrity involvement, removed content, etc. Basically the kind of information you may not hear about anywhere else, but adds character to a game and its history. |
| ==== FAQs / External Links ==== | ==== FAQs / External Links ==== | ||
general_game_submission_guidelines.1519607760.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/03/29 23:52 (external edit)
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