What Qualifies as a "Game" - Rules & Exceptions

What Gets Its Own "Game" Page and What Doesn't

From the Wiki FAQ

Rules

Rule #1: No Compilations

• Compilations should be added as a Release for each game featured in the compilation.
• This goes for all compilations, regardless of whether or not they bring a game to a new platform.
• The game's main page should list all platforms the game has appeared on including compilations. 

Rule #2: No Special / Collector's / Limited / Gold / Etc. Editions

• Any kind of special edition of a game is still that original game.
• It should be added as a Release to the game's page.
• A sectoin/header should also be added to the game's wiki to document (in as much detail as necessary) any bonuses and/or differences in the edition.
• This goes for all special editions regardless of whether or not they bring a game to a new platform.
• The game's main page should list all platforms the game has appeared on including special editions.

Rule #3: No Map Packs

• A retail product consisting of only new map packs is not a game.

Rule #4: No DLC Packs

• A retail product consisting of DLC that cannot be played on its own is not a game.
• An exception to this rule would be something like  Episodes from Liberty City, which is a standalone product.

Rule #5: No Ports

• A game ported to a new platform does not constitute a new page regardless of whether or not it gets a new title or subtitle.
• Ports should be added as a release to the main game's page.
• Any differences in the port should be documented in a section on the main game's wiki.
• Any change in the title should be listed as an alias on the main game's page.

Rule #6: Handheld Versions of Multiplatform Games  

• Many multiplatform titles, most notably (but not exclusively) sports and movie tie-in games, have handheld versions. By default, these handheld versions are different from their console and/or PC big brothers. This does not mean they constitute their own page. 
• The handheld version should be listed as a release on the game's primary page. 
• An explanation of differences and features of the handheld version can and should be documented in a section/heading on the game's wiki.

Exceptions to the Rules

Exception #1: Achievements

• If a compilation utilizes achievements/trophies, it gets to keep its own page.  We cannot hinder the achievement tracker in any way, regardless of the normal rules.
• The compilation featuring achievements should still also be listed as a Release on the main game's page since that's where it would otherwise be listed.
• For Special Editions (Limited, Collector's, Gold, Etc.) that have pages with Achievements attached to them, mods will be requesting Staff move the achievements to the main game's page. 

Exception #2: Editorial Content 

• Any game page with news or video from the staff should not be removed until the mods can request Staff to move the content.
• Users should refrain from editing those pages whenever possible, since they will eventually be deleted.

Exception #3: Remakes

• Despite our best efforts, there is no hard line definition to what remakes deserve their own page.  So, this will still be handled mostly on a case-by-case basis.
• Any remake pages can and should be brought up for debate in the Delete & Combine forum.
• In general, there are two guidelines to follow when deciding if a remake warrants its own page.  The remake in question should meet BOTH of these guidelines.

1. Graphics - Must be completely different from the original game.  Side-by-side, they look like different games.
2. Gameplay - New mechanics/features make playing the remake fundamentally different from the original game.    

I endorse this documentation!
 
Hopefully folks realise this is more of an attempt to consolidate information and maximise individual page potential than trying to restrict or be overbearing on folks ;)

Could we get some extra clarification on handheld ports in light of TMThompson's thread, please?

Would it not be better to only have the games that follow the same story on the same page of its "big brother" and give the pages that have their own unique story and gameplay their own page? Still  i would just prefer games that are different to have different pages.

Exception 1 is a dumb rule that exists for a dumb reason. But alright.

" Would it not be better to only have the games that follow the same story on the same page of its "big brother" and give the pages that have their own unique story and gameplay their own page? Still  i would just prefer games that are different to have different pages. "

" @Rallier said:

" Would it not be better to only have the games that follow the same story on the same page of its "big brother" and give the pages that have their own unique story and gameplay their own page? Still  i would just prefer games that are different to have different pages. "

Such as? "

Avatar. 4 completely different games. "

I feel like Rule #4 could use some clarification. So compilations of DLC packs are allowed? Unless I'm mistaken, that's what Episodes from Liberty City is.

Hum the no compilation rule at all is a bit trouble some when another developer is making the compilation. I don't really see how we can handle that. 
 
Well this is for compilation games that have their own interface like the Data East Arcade Classic and that Sonic Ultimate Genesis something something not the "3 games in a box for only 20 Zennies"

" I feel like Rule #4 could use some clarification. So compilations of DLC packs are allowed? Unless I'm mistaken, that's what Episodes from Liberty City is. "

So that's a no to Orange Box?

" @Marino: I wasn't aware that you could play Episodes of Liberty City without GTA4. That makes sense. "

" So that's a no to Orange Box? "

Exception #1: Achievements

If a compilation utilizes achievements/trophies, it gets to keep its own page. 

" @BeachThunder: The Orange Box stays because it has it's own separate set of achievements as detailed in the rules above....
 
 
 

Exception #1: Achievements

If a compilation utilizes achievements/trophies, it gets to keep its own page. 

"

I have a suggestion since a fair amount of people seem to be disappointed by the 'no compilations' rule:
 
Someone could create something like a 'Compilation Appearance' concept page that functions similar to the E3 19XX/20XX concept pages; if a game has appeared in one or more compilations, it belongs to this concept (while there is a Game Compilations concept already, this refers to the soon-to-be-delete compilations themselves instead of the games within the compilations). If people want to fill in more specific info on compilations they could just add it to the Compilation Appearance concept page. This way, more specific information on the existence of compilations and which games they contain isn't lost while at the same time the compilations themselves still don't receive a game page.

Nice job on putting these rules together Marino.

" @iAmJohn: I'm repeating myself, but I'm not sure whether it's actually attached to the concept page or whether it's something completely independent of the wiki. If after reading my posts you have more questions, feel free to ask them. "

i dont have a problem with this, except the first rule is bull.

" i dont have a problem with this, except the first rule is bull. "

" @Hamz said:

" @BeachThunder: The Orange Box stays because it has it's own separate set of achievements as detailed in the rules above....
 
 
 

Exception #1: Achievements

If a compilation utilizes achievements/trophies, it gets to keep its own page. 

"

As far as The Orange Box is concerned, wasn't it the case that the games included were not available as separate items at the time of its release? "

" @iAmJohn: for one, that means a revision and removal of a lot of games, and will neglect many of the features that mightve been added in the compilations. also, the idea of putting it in the release dates is stupid. NO ONE looks at release dates if they want to find a game, and besides, what if you dont know which games are in a compilation? how are you going to find out? "

" And as for the other issue, soon there will be a "notes"-type field on each release similar to the way it works on Screened.  So there will be a place for documenting what else was included not only in compilations but also special editions.  Differences in various versions can still be documented in the wiki as well. "

I'm pretty new to this, but I've wondered why there's a Rez game page and a Rez HD game page. Wouldn't merging the two and putting the achievements in the Rez page make sense?
 
In fact, looking at the Rez page shows a blurb about Rez HD.