This topic comes up so often, and it is always because the data moderators can't agree.
This is why I don't mess with Digital entries anymore. Too often edits will get denied due to misconstrued semantics.
PSN description isn't "box text" because there is no box, put it in description.
PSN description isn't "description" because that information is box text and description is for describing the item, put it in box text.
PSN description is owned by Sony and we can't copy that because it's plagiarism (So is copying the box text from the box don't you think).
Might as well just shut down the website, amirite?
What we need is a clearly defined style guide for digital items. Yes, the style guide has a single sentence, but guess what, that single sentence is exactly not specific enough that it causes problems.
Descriptions and Box Text:
The Box Text is the synopses that is on the back of the game packaging. This should be written into this field, and no other notes, or descriptions. If the game is a download title from services, such as Steam, XBLA, PSN, GoG.com, etc. Then the synopsis would be found on those service's official pages.
The Description field should be notes about the games packaging variants/ pack ins/ collector's edition details. Or trivia about the games release, such as if it is a launch title, last title, a very limited release, etc. This should not be filled with store descriptions describing the gameplay or hyping up the title. Plagiarizing descriptions from other sources will not be tolerated and will be deleted.
A) They are lumped together, this causes immediate confusion because it makes the items seem even more similar.
B) No examples
C) Most stores/sites will call what we call "Box Text", "description"... confusing but I suppose necessary.
I'll use Capsule Force as an example.
https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/capsule-force/cid=UP4372-CUSA02161_00-CAPSULEFORCEGAMEBattle head-to-head for control of the galaxies in this frantic multiplayer action game straight out of a 1980s space anime! Blast shots, dodge energy beams, and deflect projectiles as you race your tram into the opposing team's base! Grab the capsule to capture the galaxy before your enemy captures theirs!
Test your skills with over 30 single player missions! Shoot targets, avoid projectiles, and race to the finish!
Features:
● 1 - 4 Players
● Fast-Paced Back-and-Forth Competitive Gameplay
● 8 Engaging Arenas
● Over 30 Challenging Single Player Missions
1-4 players
84MB minimum save size
DUALSHOCK®4
1080p HD Video Output
Software subject to license (us.playstation.com/softwarelicense). Online activity subject to Terms of Services and User Agreement (www.playstationnetwork.com/terms-of-service). One-time license fee for play on account’s designated primary PS4™ system and other PS4™ systems when signed in with that account.
Capsule Force (C) 2015 klobit, LLC. IRON GALAXY and the IRON GALAXY logo are registered trademarks of Iron Galaxy Studios, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The description literally has disclaimers and other fine print esque things on it. These types of things are printed on boxes when you buy games... but we don't put that in the box text. The style guide really only says to put the "synopses" in the field. Only the first paragraph is technically a synopsis, but we generally allow down to the bullet points. Technically, according to the style guide, that is incorrect and should be rejected. Now if we are going to modify the style guide to allow this info because it is "box text" and change it from synopsis to something more reasonable... do we also not include the number of players, save file size, controller compatibility, and video output size? IMO, it is pertinent information and should be included in the entry in some form, and it is technically "box text"... most physical games also show this information. But then on that same note, the disclaimers and trademark info are also printed on boxes and would be considered box text, do we include this as well?
IMO, yes, the full description box from PSN, XBox.com, Nintendo.com, etc. should be included. But then you have Steam, which, yes, does have the little blurb that is perfect, but it also has a more detailed description in the details of the product.
I don't know. Maybe change "Box Text" to "Synopsis" or change "Description" to "Trivia". Maybe I'm just cranky in my old age.