VGCollect Forum
VGCollect Site Stuff => News => Topic started by: tripredacus on June 09, 2020, 12:07:11 pm
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I've been working on a more advanced Style Guide. This shows up as a forum section.
This is not meant to replace the existing one, but to help explain some of the details in how entries should be handled. If you want more details, go into there. The current Style Guide isn't going anywhere, this is just to supplement it.
The goal is to not only provide examples of specific things, but also get rid of any "unwritten rules" that we follow but were never put into the Style Guide thread in the VGDB section. It will also be used to layout the different releases and overall variations, tied to a database category.
It is currently in progress and not yet ready for mainstream, although the information is correct.
It has been visible to site staff for awhile now, but this post is being made to announce that we have enabled PRO members to see the section. This is done because we want feedback on it before we roll it out for everyone.
Information looking for:
- any photo examples to use where photo examples do not exist. If you have a photo example of a different entry than is highlighted, we can change it, but the entry must be correct before we can link to it.
- if something is not written out well, too long or not long enough.
- anything on the existing posts that was missed.
After the Advanced Style Guide has been completed, it will be set so all members can see it. And the individual category threads will be added as time goes on.
Thread title history:
- Pro Members can see the Advanced Style Guide
- All Members can see the Advanced Style Guide
- Advanced Style Guide update and feedback thread
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I think the "When to use non-latin titles" could use a little more clarity especially concerning Japanese and Korean games, etc. The example provided only has katakana which we treat differently for naming than hirigana/kanji
I would revise this "The order in which we determine the number to input is:" to something along the lines of "The priority list of which number is added to the item number field in the DB is:" or something similar.
When making the "Description" post, would you like users to adopt an particular formatting when typing in extra item numbers, etc? Seems like it's just personal preference to use "item number" vs "item #", etc. Same thing with how we format the box text into the DB.
Some things I didn't see but might be important (may have missed them)
- Sealed games with different art getting different listings
- Physical games that come with a special code being split into swag
- Category preferences for pack-in games and accessories (which I'm sure you know more about than I do)
Were you looking for photo examples of these?
Other common descriptors:
- cardboard box
- Not for Resale
- Promotional Copy
- Made in x
- Re-rated titles
Anything in particular you would like help with?
(not sure where you would like us to provide thoughts either haha)
Such a great comprehensive addition to the SG that I'm excited to see fully rolled out! :)
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When making the "Description" post, would you like users to adopt an particular formatting when typing in extra item numbers, etc? Seems like it's just personal preference to use "item number" vs "item #", etc. Same thing with how we format the box text into the DB.
Yes that is a long time coming, no one uses the same formatting when putting that info in description and we'll definiately need to get that sorted out some day. There should be a thread and a poll to follow later at some point once we get some good discussion going on it. If that hasn't been done before the Style Guide forum goes public, it will just have what kind of info we are looking for, but not have anything about how to format it.
Some of the things that you bring up, but aren't listed, may end up going into the category threads. Such as the "other common descriptors" which also includes things brought up in that section already, so they would get removed. For example the "Made in x" is prevalent with only certain consoles with reprints, such as Sega Genesis grid box games. Having that information there would make more sense I think.
The sealed games with different covers are descriptors section with the three Retro City Rampage DX examples.
What is the code that goes into swag?
As for contributions, the main guide may not need many pictures. It may make more sense later when the identification threads get added.
Anyways, this is the type of feedback I was looking for. Thanks.
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What is the code that goes into swag?
Like when a physical PC release has a box with a code in it and no media. That's what I was referring to.
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What is the code that goes into swag?
Like when a physical PC release has a box with a code in it and no media. That's what I was referring to.
They shouldn't go into swag. Do you mean the inserts inside of the box?
Like, Battlefield 1 for PC is in the game category, even though it is just a plastic box with paper in it. The case doesn't even have a nub for a disc.
https://vgcollect.com/item/113806
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What is the code that goes into swag?
Like when a physical PC release has a box with a code in it and no media. That's what I was referring to.
They shouldn't go into swag. Do you mean the inserts inside of the box?
Like, Battlefield 1 for PC is in the game category, even though it is just a plastic box with paper in it. The case doesn't even have a nub for a disc.
https://vgcollect.com/item/113806
Ha, I must be mistaken then, I couldn't find what I was looking for in the database. :-[
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What is the code that goes into swag?
Like when a physical PC release has a box with a code in it and no media. That's what I was referring to.
They shouldn't go into swag. Do you mean the inserts inside of the box?
Like, Battlefield 1 for PC is in the game category, even though it is just a plastic box with paper in it. The case doesn't even have a nub for a disc.
https://vgcollect.com/item/113806
Ha, I must be mistaken then, I couldn't find what I was looking for in the database. :-[
Perhaps you were refering to LEs that have extra items that aren't part of the game package, but shipped together. Those extra things go into swag.
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For description, what about companies that distributed a certain game, separate from the developer/publisher?
Example:
https://vgcollect.com/item/37075
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For description, what about companies that distributed a certain game, separate from the developer/publisher?
Example:
https://vgcollect.com/item/37075
We do not always have a good source of publisher data. The information we can find on other websites like mobygames are not actually sourced to anything official that I'm aware of. For this entry on that site, it says the publisher is Black Label Games, but on the item itself, it says it is published and distributed by Universal Interactive and Konami. So the description isn't incorrect, it is just incomplete. I think that because we have limited choices concerning a drop-down, that additional companies involved with a release can be put into the Description.
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Thought for item names:
I know we aren't putting in special symbols, but what about when the letters are upside down or sideways?
For example:
https://vgcollect.com/item/146432
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∀ is largely a logic operator and not an inverted A. I do not know the games lore to know why this characters is used that way. In any case, it should be already covered in the letter replacement portion, with the Idolmaster example where the @ is replacing an a.
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I think the "When to use non-latin titles" could use a little more clarity especially concerning Japanese and Korean games, etc. The example provided only has katakana which we treat differently for naming than hirigana/kanji
I added a Jang Pung 3 example. Is that what you mean? If not, please provide examples that currently have entries and explain.
Also, the main content of the Advanced thread is done. The text like this are instances where I want to put an example in but can't think of or find an example entry to use. If anyone can provide examples of those, it would be helpful.
I'd like for a final run-down of that thread for any particular issues that are seen. Or if you want pictures of some of the text-only descriptions, let me know. We make make the section available before having the red line items being filled out.
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game compatibility example
I don't know if any of these are correct, but here's some examples that you might like
Dual format game boy games. Or super game boy enhanced games.
https://vgcollect.com/item/9651
https://vgcollect.com/item/8513
Or xbox games that say whether they're compatible with the 360 or not
Compatibilite example: https://vgcollect.com/item/133752
Not compatible example: https://vgcollect.com/item/393
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Platform post should be done.
Need examples of the built-in 3DS games that we do not allow entries for. Just the names, I know those entries were deleted from the DB. The posts that reported them for deletion didn't specify the software names.
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Platform post should be done.
Need examples of the built-in 3DS games that we do not allow entries for. Just the names, I know those entries were deleted from the DB. The posts that reported them for deletion didn't specify the software names.
Here's a few:
Face Raiders
Nintendo Zone
Nintendo 3DS Camera
Nintendo 3DS Sound
AR Games
EShop
Mii Plaza
Mii Maker
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Settings was included in that list as well.
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Thanks, examples used.
TLD post created.
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Changed settings so all members can see this section.
If you can't see it, let me know in here. It is not visible to guests.
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Just read it and learned I've been using Unreleased (but official) wrong this whole time. Whoops..
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Just read it and learned I've been using Unreleased (but official) wrong this whole time. Whoops..
Yeah... I thought we were supposed to use Unreleased (but official) for things that haven't released yet.
If we're making that change are we going to add Official Release (Upcoming) to the release type options?
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I put it in the todo list in the Category Requests thread.
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Official Release (Upcoming) was added by Admin yesterday to the Release Date drop-down list.
The Advanced Style Guide has been updated.
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Sweet!
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Official Release (Upcoming) is showing as blank on individual item pages.
https://vgcollect.com/item/178989
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Official Release (Upcoming) is showing as blank on individual item pages.
https://vgcollect.com/item/178989
Looks like this is fixed now.
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Updates
- Re-ordered games section in Description (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178499.html#msg178499) section. Added example for documenting insert variations among different releases, where the actual variants do not get a separate entry.
- Added "unwritten rule" of using forward slash with spacing on games with multiple game titles, in the Item Name (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177773.html#msg177773) section.
- Added clarification that accessories with games as download codes but not physical games are considered games in the Platform (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178154.html#msg178154) section.
Info needed
Still looking for examples of US items with UPC missing the country code and check digit.
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Updates
- changed thread title to reflect current use of the thread
- Added formatting for multiple descriptors to use same formatting as multiple names in title to Item Name (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177773.html#msg177773) section.
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Added rule regarding Quotation Marks to Item Name (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177773.html#msg177773) post.
Basically to omit quotation marks from Item Names, the primary reason being that the site's input validation truncates the text when submitting a new item. Admins and DB Admins have the ability to create entries like this because we can edit an item immediately and have it appear. Non-admin users would submit an item, have the broken item name just sit there until an admin gets to go through the update queue. And that is presuming the person who created the entry even bothers to put in an edit afterwards to fix the title... I'd say it is about 50/50 that happens... so it is better to just omit the quotation marks entirely to make it easier for everyone.
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Added rule regarding Quotation Marks to Item Name (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177773.html#msg177773) post.
Basically to omit quotation marks from Item Names, the primary reason being that the site's input validation truncates the text when submitting a new item. Admins and DB Admins have the ability to create entries like this because we can edit an item immediately and have it appear. Non-admin users would submit an item, have the broken item name just sit there until an admin gets to go through the update queue. And that is presuming the person who created the entry even bothers to put in an edit afterwards to fix the title... I'd say it is about 50/50 that happens... so it is better to just omit the quotation marks entirely to make it easier for everyone.
Might consider encoding characters so " gets saved as ", but still displayed as " when rendered in browser.
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I recently created this thread https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11082.new.html#new before realizing there's a thread for discussion of Advanced Style Guide already present, sorry about that :(
Anyway, it would be nice if the guide pointed out how/what to input and what not to input in alt-name field, especially for foreign language titles – people usually input an English name there, is that correct? And if so, at what format?
Some clarification about which prefixes for Disney (Disney, Disney's Disney Pixar, Disney/Pixar, Disney/Pixar's, Disney/Pixar …) should be used and when – the Lion king example is a good one, but it clearly have 's visible in "Disney's"…
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Its ok. This thread is specifically for the Adv guide, such as something missing or there is an error, etc. Regular questions can still go into the VGDB section and it is better for them to be in there for visibility.
I answered your question (I hope) in the thread you made there.
In general, the name should match the name on GameFAQs for that specific release but we have no rule for releases that are not there. Other than you can get the name from some other site, which is to then open it up to Mobygames or some other wiki. Or as I like to think of it "I get to name a thing" instead. :)
For alt-name, it is primarily for searching, as our search will look into there too. As such, actual text formatting is not that important, as long as the terms are present. You can put in Disney and/or Pixar into there if you want, english name, some other language name (for that release) or common translation (as is the case for some Japanese exclusive games based on anime that was released in other areas outside of Japan. Just whatever you can think that would help someone find a thing if they didn't know the language.
EDIT: Arcade section done for now. Was going to work on the next section (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive), however there is a change required in the forum before it can be started. So if you saw that topic for a short time, that is why it was removed. I will take a break from working on new sections in there until that has been resolved.
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Added rules regarding nudity to the Item Images (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177804.html#msg177804) post.
This determination was made by red admin/site owner many years ago but I do not think was ever put into the Style Guide before.
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Added rules regarding nudity to the Item Images (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177804.html#msg177804) post.
This determination was made by red admin/site owner many years ago but I do not think was ever put into the Style Guide before.
Is there a reason we opt for no image over blurring/black bars?
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From the Style Guide:
Do not add fan-made, fake, photoshopped, or replacement artwork
Where "photoshopped" could be read as "altered" thus this would prevent the use of such images.
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From the Style Guide:
Do not add fan-made, fake, photoshopped, or replacement artwork
Where "photoshopped" could be read as "altered" thus this would prevent the use of such images.
Okay.
Seems like a situation that could be an exception, but I get where that gets murky.
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I believe it would be possible to get a resolution if users were to ask for a poll about it. We still could not allow the unaltered images in any case.
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I believe it would be possible to get a resolution if users were to ask for a poll about it. We still could not allow the unaltered images in any case.
Oh, absolutely, unaltered images in this case are non-negotiable, but it seems like a situation where an exception to the photoshop rule would be handy to prevent unnecessary instances of entries with no images.
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I would rather have photoshopped images than no images. But then again I will never search for nor add any of those games to my collection so it doesn't really matter to me either way.
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From the Style Guide:
Do not add fan-made, fake, photoshopped, or replacement artwork
Where "photoshopped" could be read as "altered" thus this would prevent the use of such images.
But that just doesn't make sense, it's almost backwards thinking. This could easily be an exception to the rule given the context. An even better solution would be to have a specific image for nude covers that says something along the lines of "Oops! This cover/image is NSFW." or something along those lines.
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Personally, some sort of censorship to which a user could then agree to bypass (perhaps providing input of age?) would be the most ideal set-up. However, this seems like far too much work to be invested in for a group of just a few items.
Edit: Also, as a huge aside, I see that users can remove their own posts made in the News section unlike in every other one. Is this an oversight?
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From the Style Guide:
Do not add fan-made, fake, photoshopped, or replacement artwork
Where "photoshopped" could be read as "altered" thus this would prevent the use of such images.
But that just doesn't make sense, it's almost backwards thinking. This could easily be an exception to the rule given the context. An even better solution would be to have a specific image for nude covers that says something along the lines of "Oops! This cover/image is NSFW." or something along those lines.
It could be, but that rule is already in effect from years ago. As is the directive from ownership regarding the use of nudity in images. So as it stands, currently, it is the only way it can exist. Fortunately, nearly anything is possible to get changed with a community vote in regards to things in the Style Guide.
The use of a placeholder image was something we used to have, but they all got removed AFAIK. The problem is that people just used whatever, so there were black bars, there were blurred images, and then various NSFW images from all around the internet. I think that specifying a specific placeholder image to use isn't going to work out because it wouldn't change anything since people would still have to use it. An automated process such as a checkmark on an entry that would specify it to contain nudity and then the site uses a built-in placeholder that is different than No Art, would be ideal. The issue there is that is something red Admins would need to work out.
dhaabi, it is a built-in option for the forum. Changing it is more effort than it is worth.
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Removed box content variant text from description post. Old text:
non box/cart variant info
For items, we generally will focus on box and cart differences for variants, and we do not create entries for variants with different components such as manuals or posters. This additional variant info is put into the description instead.
The Adventure of Bayou Billy (https://vgcollect.com/item/9356) on NES has in the description that some boxes have a different number printed on the tab and these boxes come with different components. Also that the game, when sold in Canada, came with different inserts as well. Since the Canadian release and the one with the different number on the tab are not visible from a closed (or even sealed) release, and that the cart is the same between all three releases, there is only one entry.
What this means is that non-box/cart variant entries are now allowed. This ruling can be overturned by a request for community vote.
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It could be, but that rule is already in effect from years ago. As is the directive from ownership regarding the use of nudity in images. So as it stands, currently, it is the only way it can exist. Fortunately, nearly anything is possible to get changed with a community vote in regards to things in the Style Guide.
The use of a placeholder image was something we used to have, but they all got removed AFAIK. The problem is that people just used whatever, so there were black bars, there were blurred images, and then various NSFW images from all around the internet. I think that specifying a specific placeholder image to use isn't going to work out because it wouldn't change anything since people would still have to use it. An automated process such as a checkmark on an entry that would specify it to contain nudity and then the site uses a built-in placeholder that is different than No Art, would be ideal. The issue there is that is something red Admins would need to work out.
We could decide on what image to use as a community. Said image could serve to warn about any nude pictures or whatever else an entry may have. Furthermore, the user could be given the option of clicking on this image to see the NSFW content.
In all honesty, this doesn't affect me in the slightest, but I think as a community we should get together and decide how to handle this since it's still something that's relevant to the website. Also, not for nothing, but I think the current "No art" image is rather boring; I think it could be spruced up a bit to make it our own.
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Furthermore, the user could be given the option of clicking on this image to see the NSFW content.
Community has no choice in this. This can only be granted by site owner.
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Such a prude.
Then in that case, like I said, we as a community should be able to decide what image could be used to cover up lewd art. I mean, I hate bringing other websites similar to this one as an example, but VGMdb figured this stuff out eons ago: they have a box that you tick for NSFW content that replaces any naughty pictures with one of their own. Like I mentioned once before, this place would really benefit from borrowing a page or two from them.
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The Style Guide is designed to work around whatever limitations there are in the software or site design. Actually changing the site design is beyond the scope of this this and not in the power of DB Admins. Only red Admins can make changes like that to the site.
Personally, I am against editing or hiding information in a database. As such I believe that the actual covers should be represented even if they contain nudity, but again, I don't get to make that decision. And besides, with the image quality we're talking about here, it would be essentially this:
(https://i.redd.it/vi67rmvw05051.jpg)
;D
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Yeah, I'm well aware who does what around here, and what I'm proposing has been directed to those that handle the intricacies of how the website runs as a whole. I think they've been somewhat complacent as of very late and just need a bit of pep in their step. And yes, now I'm busting balls.
All in all, I'm with you, the images should be left as-is—there's no need for censorship, especially considering the quality and resolution isn't the greatest, as you said. But hey, if there's a no nudity clause, then we must abide.
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Added the old unwritten rule relating to co-branded game releases to the Platform (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178154.html#msg178154) post.
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Added the old unwritten rule relating to co-branded game releases to the Platform (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178154.html#msg178154) post.
With your Xbox One / Xbox Series X co-branding example, I have a question. Is this rule absolute? I ask because there are two types of packaging: items such as Gears Tactics (https://vgcollect.com/item/188571) which have only "Xbox" at the top of the item's packaging which indicates Xbox Series X and items The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Xbox-The-Dark-Pictures-Anthology-Little-Hope-New/133632734831?hash=item1f1d21b66f:g:tr4AAOSwFfdf-eeR) which have "Xbox One" at the top of the item's packaging which indicates Xbox One with the built-in support for Xbox Series X enhancements. Both types have Xbox One and Xbox Series X as a part of the black label, but only examples such as Gears Tactics have the Series X logo in the top-right corner of the packaging for further ease in differentiation. To me, it seems that the differentiation is clear to determine classification of an item being either Xbox One or Xbox Series X with these two combined elements.
On that note, I don't think PlayStation 5 packaging features co-branding at all, but stickers have been included on later PlayStation 4 game packaging which highlights a PS5 upgrade available when present, although they still remain in PlayStation 4 packaging cases proper.
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On that note, I don't think PlayStation 5 packaging features co-branding at all, but stickers have been included on later PlayStation 4 game packaging which highlights a PS5 upgrade available when present, although they still remain in PlayStation 4 packaging cases proper.[/font]
Yeah, I don't think there are any co-branding stuff. Watch Dogs Legion for instance is PS4, but mentions free upgrade to PS5. Disc is still a PS4 product, just allows the use of the digital PS5 version with disc as DRM.
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Now I see the Watch Dogs Legion on PS4 is not a co-branded game. It is basically a special offer, where if you were to use this disc on a PS5, it would install the PS5 version from PSN. Are there any examples of PS4/PS5 co-branded games?
For the Xbox One games that are "forwards compatible" is it the same as the Watch Dogs Legion on PS4 example? Are there any Xbox One games that are forwards compatible but do not have the Xbox One molded case?
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Now I see the Watch Dogs Legion on PS4 is not a co-branded game. It is basically a special offer, where if you were to use this disc on a PS5, it would install the PS5 version from PSN. Are there any examples of PS4/PS5 co-branded games?
There haven't been any releases like this so far, from what I've gathered.
For the Xbox One games that are "forwards compatible" is it the same as the Watch Dogs Legion on PS4 example? Are there any Xbox One games that are forwards compatible but do not have the Xbox One molded case?
For Xbox One games, they are the same as Watch Dogs: Legion on PlayStation 4. As far as the Xbox One and Xbox Series X game cases, I believe that they are the exact same. Only the cover art layout design differs from another to highlight if a title is for Xbox One or for Xbox Series X.
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Added the rule regarding "compatible" releases. That will allow for the PS5 upgrade games to be in PS4 and the "playable on Series X" games to be in XBox One.
Fixed entries
The Dark Pictures: Little Hope: https://vgcollect.com/item/188356
Watch Dogs: Legion: https://vgcollect.com/item/163318
A couple things... First I know that the names on these Dark Pictures games on GameFAQs is "wrong" or at least they are missing the Anthology part of the title. Also someone did make a listing in the Xbox Series X for that game, but I merged the dupe. This is just another one of those things where dupes are going to show up for this, one with the naming issue and two because of the branding.
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Since we have resolve the issue with posting [BR] in the forum, work has continued on this. Now working on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive section, which should have 1 post for each of the sub-categories.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11326.msg187455.html
This is less the Style Guide part, and more of the identification part of that section. I hope that some day we are able to have an informative post like this for each of the categories on the site.
If there is something that you feel should be included in one of the existing posts that would be helpful, feel free to let me know.
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Barcodes post updated (finally) with the "barcodes missng digits" example.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178422.html#msg178422
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ISBN portion moved from Barcode post to Item Number post
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178223.html#msg178223
The rule update is that ISBN goes into description unless
- item has no UPC/EAN/JAN, then ISBN can go into barcode field.
- item is a book (in Print Media sub-cat), then ISBN can go into the item number field.
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Inserted the results of multi-platform game sorting to the Platform post.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178154.html#msg178154
New text:
Games Released for multiple or co-branded platforms
There are some instances where a game release has multiple console branding or compatibilities listed. In these instances, the game should be put into the category for the older console.
Examples
- Atari 2600 / 7800 co-compatibility: should go into the Atari 2600 (VCS) category. See Venture (https://vgcollect.com/item/16650)
- PS One / PS2 co-branding: should go into the PlayStation category. See Kowai Shashin (https://vgcollect.com/item/100129)
- Xbox / Xbox 360 co-compatibility: should go into the Xbox category. See Sneak King (https://www.vgcollect.com/item/11185)
- Xbox 360 / Xbox One co-branding: should go into Xbox 360 category. See Bully - Scholarship Edition (https://vgcollect.com/item/134306)
- Xbox One / Xbox Series X co-branding: should go into Xbox One category. See Gears Tactics (https://vgcollect.com/item/188571)
- Xbox One branding with Xbox Series X compatibility note, should go into Xbox One category. See The Dark Pictures: Little Hope (https://vgcollect.com/item/188356)
- PS4 branding with PS5 compatibility note, should go into PS4 category. See Watch Dogs: Legion (https://vgcollect.com/item/163318)
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Amended the Editions Names in non-Latin languages portion of the Item Name (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg177773.html#msg177773) post to add rules regarding the usage of Japanese loanwords.
There are multiple ways to handle this situation. For a Japanese Edition or Pack name, you should use the transliteration of the original Japanese text with exception for any words on the Japanese Loanwords List post further on in this guide.
Added a new post to the thread with the specific loan words we will use translations for instead of transliterations.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg194310.html#msg194310
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A new ID Guide has been made for PlayStation. Check it out here and let us know if there are anything that was left out you think should be in there or if you have any questions.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12209.0.html
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Added some Console Release dates for the Adv Guide to provide some help for choosing multi-platform. It doesn't particularly have any impact on the modern/sequential consoles, but it may be useful for dealing with micros.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg200323.html#msg200323
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Removed the word "photoshopped" from the Images section of the Style Guide
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,22.0.html
I will be making an addendum on the Adv Guide regarding acceptable uses of image editing in the coming days.
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Can you elaborate a little more on The Hyphen and the Edition rules? Why does Fallout: New Vegas - Collector's Edition get a hyphen but Fallout: New Vegas: Ultimate Edition does not? Is it just because the Ultimate Edition released afterwards?
For a game like Godfall - Ultimate Edition (https://vgcollect.com/item/248048 (https://vgcollect.com/item/248048)), why wouldn't it have a colon instead of the hyphen?
How do the contents of the edition impact the naming scheme? If there's extra content included on the disc or in the digital game purchase, such as DLC, expansions, or exclusive content, does this make a difference on the naming choice? What about editions that include things like DLC codes (not on the disc), or downloadable content like soundtracks or themes, separate from the game itself?
Edit: Also, what about digital games that are labelled "Standard Edition" -- is this worth putting into the name field or should it just go into the alt name field? If it goes in the main name field, should the normal game title go into the alt name field? For example, this one https://vgcollect.com/item/247882 "Immortals Fenyx Rising: Standard Edition" as the main name, "Immortals Fenyx Rising" as the alt name.
Sorry for having so many questions! Just want to make sure I'm doing things right.
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Changed text on The Hyphen and the Edition from
"For releases that have a special ..."
to
"For physical releases that have a special ..."
Yes, New Vegas Ultimate Edition is a different release entirely. Usually a regular edition and LE/SE/whatever share the same media.
As seen above, digital games should not use hyphen.
When we made the rule change, it implied that existing items in the db would need to have their name changed to reflect the new policy. No one went on a bender to do this, so there are still items with the old method. I change them as I come across them.
Alt-name removed from Immortals Fenyx Rising. The alt-name should not have the same text string as in the title.
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Added to Item Name post near the top
"Use the Chicago APA Style for capitalization of titles: https://capitalizemytitle.com/style/APA/"
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Added to Item Name post near the top
"Use the Chicago APA Style for capitalization of titles: https://capitalizemytitle.com/style/APA/"
Chicago and APA are two different formatting styles. Which do you mean? So, for example:
APA | Disney’s Learning With Mickey
Chicago | Disney’s Learning with Mickey
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Which is an example of one where with would be lowercase in your example and Starring would be capitalized as in the Top Cat example?
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Which is an example of one where with would be lowercase in your example and Starring would be capitalized as in the Top Cat example?
"Starring" is never formatted in lowercase lettering when in title sequences, no matter what style is being used. It is a verb, and verbs are always capitalized.
The chief difference between APA and Chicago will mostly lie in how prepositions are formatted.
APA: Above, Around, Between, From, Into, Toward, Under, With
Chicago: above, around, between, from, into, toward, under, with
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OFFICIAL Style Guide
After the release of a game do not upload covers that have a ESRB RP rating unless it is a demo disc/cart. For European games, do not upload images with the "Provisional" label under the PEGI rating.
ADVANCED Style Guide
6. Pre-release stock photo
Pre-release stock photos are identified in most cases by having a temporary content rating. A game released in North America may have an ESRB RP rating, or a game released in Japan after 2006 may have a CERO 審査予定 (CERO All) rating.
If the Advanced guide is an extension of the original rules, then that section of text should mention to not upload or submit these kinds of images post-release. See here: https://vgcollect.com/item/251540
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Added this to item name in regards to Common Name sources:
A name source may have errors in their title that need to be corrected before used here. These may include using numeric vs roman numeral, title for a localised version that doesn't match the art, or a translation/romanization error.
Note that the way either Style or Adv Guide is written, there is not a hard requirement to use a GameFAQs name, or a common name exactly as represented. If a name source has an error you should not use the bad version as a title here. This is really only to come into play when dealing with "non-common" games. Common Name source was enacted primarily to deal with game series that have a common title different than what is on the box art. Such as .hack series, Call of Duty Black Ops 4, Resident Evil 7, Tomb Raider, etc.
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Updated/Clarified the types of items allowed in Steam category in the Official Style Guide. New text:
What Steam items can be added to the site?
Games, Demos and most DLC can be added.
DLC that we do not track (no entries should be made)
- Soundtracks
- Digital Artbooks
- Workshop items
- Season Passes
Also do not make entries for Steam Inventory items such as cards, pack, gems, icons, wallpapers, coupons or in-game items such as CS:GO crates/skins, or other game cosmetics such as for CS:GO, H1Z1 or TF2 (just to name a few examples).
Game packs or bundles should not be added. All Steam items we add must have the word app in the Steam URL, for example:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/49520/Borderlands_2/
Ref: https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,22.msg84274.html#msg84274
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Updated/Clarified the types of items allowed in Steam category in the Official Style Guide. New text:
What Steam items can be added to the site?
Games, Demos and most DLC can be added.
DLC that we do not track (no entries should be made)
- Soundtracks
- Digital Artbooks
- Workshop items
- Season Passes
Also do not make entries for Steam Inventory items such as cards, pack, gems, icons, wallpapers, coupons or in-game items such as CS:GO crates/skins, or other game cosmetics such as for CS:GO, H1Z1 or TF2 (just to name a few examples).
Game packs or bundles should not be added. All Steam items we add must have the word app in the Steam URL, for example:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/49520/Borderlands_2/
Ref: https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,22.msg84274.html#msg84274
Example and request for clarification
Is this correct regarding Fallout 4's DLC for an example
These are acceptable:
Fallout 4 - High Resolution Texture Pack <https://store.steampowered.com/app/540810/Fallout_4__High_Resolution_Texture_Pack (https://store.steampowered.com/app/540810/Fallout_4__High_Resolution_Texture_Pack)>
Fallout 4 Far Harbor <https://store.steampowered.com/app/435881/Fallout_4_Far_Harbor (https://store.steampowered.com/app/435881/Fallout_4_Far_Harbor)>
Fallout 4 Vault-Tec Workshop <https://store.steampowered.com/app/480631/Fallout_4_VaultTec_Workshop (https://store.steampowered.com/app/480631/Fallout_4_VaultTec_Workshop)>
Fallout 4 - Contraptions Workshop <https://store.steampowered.com/app/480630/Fallout_4__Contraptions_Workshop (https://store.steampowered.com/app/480630/Fallout_4__Contraptions_Workshop)>
Fallout 4 Nuka-World <https://store.steampowered.com/app/490650/Fallout_4_NukaWorld (https://store.steampowered.com/app/490650/Fallout_4_NukaWorld)>
Fallout 4 - Wasteland Workshop <https://store.steampowered.com/app/435880/Fallout_4__Wasteland_Workshop (https://store.steampowered.com/app/435880/Fallout_4__Wasteland_Workshop)>
Fallout 4 - Automatron <https://store.steampowered.com/app/435870/Fallout_4__Automatron (https://store.steampowered.com/app/435870/Fallout_4__Automatron)>
These are not acceptable:
Fallout 4 Season Pass <https://store.steampowered.com/app/404090/Fallout_4_Season_Pass (https://store.steampowered.com/app/404090/Fallout_4_Season_Pass)>
Fallout 4 - Creation Club <https://store.steampowered.com/app/598110/Fallout_4__Creation_Club/ (https://store.steampowered.com/app/598110/Fallout_4__Creation_Club/)>
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It is correct. However I want to add that there is no impetus for non-item owners (aka db curators) to go and start adding all this extra DLC, especially if you don't care to use those options personally. If someone wants to add it, then they can.
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Added colon after punctuation information to Item Name post.
Subtitles after Punctuation
Subtitles use a colon but should not use a colon after punctuation. Some games will use punctuation such as ( ! ) or even a period ( . ) in an ancryonym before a subtitle. In these cases, the colon should be omitted.
Example: https://vgcollect.com/item/129976
correct: Overcooked! Special Edition
incorrect: Overcooked!: Special Edition
If there are other example you'd like to see included, feel free to post them here.
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This grammar rule applies to all three sentence-ending symbols: the period ( . ), the exclamation mark ( ! ), and the question mark ( ? ). So, that should be noted in detail in the style guide.
? example: https://vgcollect.com/item/237620
correct: Saimin Seikatsu: Kousou Dakara Shikatanai!? UMD-PG Edition
incorrect: Saimin Seikatsu: Kousou Dakara Shikatanai!?: UMD-PG Edition
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I'm pretty confused with the explanation for Item numbers in the style guides. Not only in comparison of the two guides, but mostly because of the advanced guide itself.
The advanced style guide ( https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178223.html#msg178223 ) has a priority list as
The priority list of which number is added to the item number field in the DB is:
1. The spine or side
2. The back
3. The front
4. Hidden or only on sealed samples
5. The media
Additional item numbers should be put into the description.
In the following explanations front and media is never mentioned but I think front is still pretty clear.
Hidden or only on sealed samples is within that 5 point list, but the explanations states those numbers should put into the description.
For the hidden numbers:
In the previous example we had shown how Nintendo has a number to represent the game, and another to represent the release. On older boxed releases this is the same but the item numbers are printed on the box tab/flap. Because it is impossible to see this number on a sealed sample, we put this into the description instead.
Just like the box flaps I wouldn't see the Item number of the Media on a sealed sample. Additionally the hidden numbers are prior to media on the list. Would I put media numbers in the description as well?
If so, I think the official style guide would also be misleading.
From the official style guide ( https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,22.0.html ):
Item numbers are the factory assigned number given to each product. Item number field priority is: Package spine, Package back, or that which is printed on the enclosed media. Additional item numbers can be put into the description field, including where that item number is located.
So the priority is
1. Spine
2. Back
3. Media
While I'm not sure about the media, based on the advanced guide I would have assumed to put the box flap number into the Item number field.
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Thanks. I put media number as a higher priority than hidden numbers.
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Updated Formatting section to Description post on ADV Guide to use the description template with examples that has been used internally for some time.
https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10837.msg178499.html#msg178499