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Articles related to video games need [[WP:RS|sources]] like any other Wikipedia article—content must be [[WP:V|verifiable]]. Due to the nature of video game journalism, however, editors writing articles within the scope of this project may encounter problems finding or citing sources. This guideline aims to discuss some of the most common problem areas. None of the following directions apply in every single instance so always use reason and [[WP:UCS|common sense]] when citing sources. |
Articles related to video games need [[WP:RS|sources]] like any other Wikipedia article—content must be [[WP:V|verifiable]]. Due to the nature of video game journalism, however, editors writing articles within the scope of this project may encounter problems finding or [[WP:CITE|citing sources]]. This guideline aims to discuss some of the most common problem areas. None of the following directions apply in every single instance so always use reason and [[WP:UCS|common sense]] when citing sources. |
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Because the fields of video game journalism, research, criticism, and commentary are relatively new compared to similar coverage of traditional media, traditional means of sourcing can be somewhat rare. In addition, the simultaneous development and expansion of internet-based sources alongside the modern video game scene has led to a much higher degree of exclusive online coverage than is the case with other media. These factors make the determination of reliable video-game sources a complex issue. To address this problem, this guideline provides a few general [[rules of thumb]] and presents the current [[WP:CONS|consensus]] regarding the reliability and usability of specific video-game-related sources. Any questions regarding specific sources not covered in this guideline may be directed to the [[WT:VG/S|talk page]]. Remember to search the talk page archives before starting a new topic. |
Because the fields of video game journalism, research, criticism, and commentary are relatively new compared to similar coverage of traditional media, traditional means of sourcing can be somewhat rare. In addition, the simultaneous development and expansion of internet-based sources alongside the modern video game scene has led to a much higher degree of exclusive online coverage than is the case with other media. These factors make the determination of reliable video-game sources a complex issue. To address this problem, this guideline provides a few general [[rules of thumb]] and presents the current [[WP:CONS|consensus]] regarding the reliability and usability of specific video-game-related sources. Any questions regarding specific sources not covered in this guideline may be directed to the [[WT:VG/S|talk page]]. Remember to search the talk page archives before starting a new topic. |
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Revision as of 17:48, 25 October 2014
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This page is considered a guideline on Wikipedia. It is generally accepted among editors and is considered a standard that all users should follow. However, it is not set in stone and should be treated with common sense and the occasional exception. When editing this page, please ensure that your revision reflects consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on this page's talk page. |
Articles related to video games need sources like any other Wikipedia article—content must be verifiable. Due to the nature of video game journalism, however, editors writing articles within the scope of this project may encounter problems finding or citing sources. This guideline aims to discuss some of the most common problem areas. None of the following directions apply in every single instance so always use reason and common sense when citing sources.
Because the fields of video game journalism, research, criticism, and commentary are relatively new compared to similar coverage of traditional media, traditional means of sourcing can be somewhat rare. In addition, the simultaneous development and expansion of internet-based sources alongside the modern video game scene has led to a much higher degree of exclusive online coverage than is the case with other media. These factors make the determination of reliable video-game sources a complex issue. To address this problem, this guideline provides a few general rules of thumb and presents the current consensus regarding the reliability and usability of specific video-game-related sources. Any questions regarding specific sources not covered in this guideline may be directed to the talk page. Remember to search the talk page archives before starting a new topic.
Locating reliable sources
One of the first places that many editors look for video game sources is the internet. After using one of several search engines to locate information on a subject, the search results must be scrutinized for reliability. A list of sources that have been identified by the WP:VG community as reliable appears lower in this page at the Sources list. This list is neither complete nor can it be used as definitive proof regarding a listed source's reliability determination, but it provides a good rough guide on which to base the scrutiny of sources for reliability.
In order to facilitate the location and recovery of reliable sources, tools are available to filter search results to target reliable sources. Editors can use Reliable Sources for Video Games, a custom Google search engine focusing on the below-listed reliable sites and filtering out many bad or non-RS sites. A second custom Google search engine, Situational Sources for Video Games, is also available to search for reliable sources on a topic. Remember that just because a source shows up in the Reliable Sources for Video Games search engine there is no guarantee that it is reliable. Forum posts, for example, are usually non-reliable. Also, be sure to take note of the conditions and limitations required for proper use of all sources (as listed in the tables below) before relying on them. The template {{find video game sources}} also includes a link to these custom search engines.
Finally, there are a number of online tools that can be used to help determine the reliability and usability of online sources.
- The Special:LinkSearch tool allows editors to see all places where English Wikipedia and other Wikipedias link to a specific website. This can help to show how commonly cited a source is.
- The Special:WhatLinksHere tool allows editors to see which Wikipedia-based pages link to other Wikipedia articles. This can help to identify related articles that may demonstrate sourcing conventions for the kind of article in question. This can also aid in the location of sources listed at the WP:VG Reference Library.
Editorial discretion should promote broad coverage and reduce POV
For many of the articles under the aegis of WP:VG, sources are plentiful and easily located. Because not every source needs to be cited, editorial discretion will play a part in the exclusion of redundant and unnecessary sources. A few of the more important considerations when reviewing sources for inclusion are listed hereunder:
- Negative as well as positive reviews - It is exceptionally rare for a video game to receive universal critical praise or condemnation. For this reason, reasonable efforts should be made to reduce undue bias by presenting both perspectives on the game. For the few cases where reception is universally slanted in one direction (either positive or negative), remember that exceptional claims require exceptional sourcing.
- Contemporary as well as modern coverage - As a general rule, reviewers of video games are inextricably tied to their temporal vantage point and because advancements in video game technology increase by leaps and bounds every few years, it is unfair to review a game in light of the game scene 20 years later. Likewise, hindsight can lead to revisionist reviews and nostalgia may lead to unduly positive scores. An effort should be made to include contemporary coverage of games if available in order to maintain a neutral point of view untainted by modern perceptions.
- Domestic as well as foreign coverage - Because video games are cultural artifacts, when a game comes from X country, then reviews from X country can provide cultural insight that might escape foreign reviewers. Relatedly, when a game depicts Y country or aspects of it, then reviews from Y country can provide reliable, detailed, and direct reaction to the depiction. At the same time, however, when a game comes from Z country, reviews from X and Y countries will help to reduce POV and to provide an international response thereby eliminating systemic cultural biases.
- Metareviews as well as individual reviews - Although metareviews tend to provide an average and roughly neutral review for games, the specific views of influential and/or well-respected individual reviewers may be of equal importance and should be presented with proper attribution despite the probability of containing a POV-heavy review. Care must be taken to avoid skewing the apparent reception by presenting disproportionate numbers of positive or negative individual reviews.
- Reviews for multiple different platforms - When video games are released on more than one platform, reviews of all different versions allow readers to gain an insight on the differing perceptions of the game within different gaming subcultures. When games are rereleased or remade for later systems, reviews of all different versions allow readers to grasp the degree to which later ports and remakes were successful in evoking the original. Efforts to report reception in a due manner can often be enhanced by using a prose format to explain why scores on one platform are lower than those of another.
The above considerations should also be taken when seeking out sources to add content such as reception sections to video game articles.
Print sources
Print sources are often difficult to locate for video game articles, however their use can in some cases improve coverage dramatically. This is especially true when it comes to providing citations for claims covering the early period (generally prior to 2000) before online sources became as established and reliable as they are in some cases today. Although it is incorrect to uncritically assume reliability for a source simply because it exists or existed in printed form, as a general rule of thumb it should be borne in mind that print sources cost money to produce and are therefore likely to make more of an effort at quality and accuracy than most low-cost fan sites. As the length of time a print source remains in continuous publication increases, the source gains in reputation, goodwill, and brand strength. This factor also tends to mean that longer-lasting and more established print sources are more likely to be accurate than brief fly-by-night operations, because readers tend to seek accuracy and evidence of readership can be found in the duration of the print source's time in print. Internationally registered periodicals (as identified by an ISSN number) are generally preferred over unregistered journals.
While there is no proscription against hard-to-access sources, the fact that print sources are more difficult to verify means that it is often a good idea to include additional web-based reliable sourcing if it is available. Editors adding print-based references should also make an effort to substantiate or at least double-check their claims if they are challenged. One of the best places to gain access to print-based video game reference material on Wikipedia is at the WP:VG reference library. Editors listed as contacts at the Reference Library have volunteered to make information from these magazines available on request and this can be used to reference claims in articles as well as to verify references and to establish notability.
Fansites
Many video games have sites devoted to them that are not affiliated with the developers or publishers. These fansites enable fans to read about and discuss the game. When checked against Wikipedia guidelines such as Wikipedia:Reliable sources#What is a reliable source?, these fansites usually do not qualify as a reliable source. They frequently have little or no editorial oversight, and may be self-published (i.e., the person hosting the website is also the one writing its content). Fact-checking is often of lesser importance than publishing the latest rumours. Quoting the rule of thumb: "...the greater the degree of scrutiny involved in checking facts, analyzing legal issues, and scrutinizing the evidence and arguments of a particular work, the more reliable it is."
Some fansites provide forum excerpts by developers from the game's forums. Favour citing the forum post itself over the fansite's article and commentary about it. When citing a forum post on a fansite's own forum, special scrutiny is advised. Make it clear that it is the post that is cited, not the thread or forum in general. Consider forum posts like journal articles, except that in this case the "journal" is unreliable (see WP:SPS), but the "article" may be, because of its author. Use real names over forum nicknames. An example from Supreme Commander:
Ables, Jeremy (2007-07-30). "Patch notes build 3260". Gas Powered Games. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
Video games
In articles about video games, citing the game itself is often attractive. Wikipedia favours secondary sources, and the use of primary sources should be minimised. Games are primary sources in articles about themselves. Whether it is good to use them as a source varies by perspective, subject and game. For a reader, it is usually very hard to use a video game to check facts. Provide transcripts wherever possible, and enable readers to check the facts themselves by noting which area, level or episode is cited. Using the later levels of games with a linear level progression as sources (without transcripts) should be avoided. The same applies to bonus levels or easter eggs.
It is very hard to find proper sources for sections about the plot or setting of a video game without using the game itself. In many of these sections, the game itself is used as a source, but make sure that it is not the only source. Furthermore, the kind of statements that can be backed up with a reference to the game itself is limited. For example, it is impossible to use the game itself to back up that it "... takes place in a high fantasy setting".
Statements of a technical or critical nature should never contain references to the game itself. Technical details (like the type of texture mapping used) are impossible to discern for the layperson. Using the game itself as a source for critical content is original research. Criticism should not be the editor's own, but for example a reviewer's.
However, instruction booklets, player's guides, and other game-related publications may be cited as normal.
- Tools: {{cite video game}} and {{cite video}}
Review sites
The most important sources for most video game articles are the reviews of the game itself. These reviews come mostly from reliable sources (such as the ones in the list below), but be aware of less reliable reviews. Many sites allow users to submit content, like Wikipedia itself. These reviews are often not independent, and are not reliable because they have not been checked for factuality by an editor. It is also important to make a distinction between review sites, and directory listings. The latter often repeat information from press releases and the game's official website, and do not constitute a reliable source for establishing notability. Their use should be avoided in general as well.
Aggregate review sites such as Metacritic and Game Rankings are generally useful to include in the critical reception portion of a video game article, as these sites provide links to numerous reviews for a game, more than can readily be included in Wikipedia. Data from these aggregate review sites should be handled carefully. There are two primary issues with these sites. Firstly, the site webmasters are free to include or ignore any review source they choose. While these sites will typically include major English gaming review sources, they can (and do) also include less reliable sites. Secondly, the sites average the scores between reviewers without regard for the differences in the rating systems used. Furthermore, video game reviews are not meant to be used in comparison with each other. A reviewer who gave two games both a score of 90% might prefer one above the other, but this does not show in the scores.
Retailers
Retailers are only considered reliable sources for games that have already been released, and even then, only for information regarding release dates and the existence of games on a particular platform. However other secondary or primary sources should be used if available. Retailers posting future dates for games not yet released raise a red flag as to the legitimacy of the statement, and should not be used unless confirmed by a more reliable source.
Official information
In video gaming communities, the adjective "official" is often used to describe information released by the game developer. It denotes that the information is definitive, reliable and sometimes important. This is without regard to whether said information is deemed canonical.
Merely being "official" does not guarantee that information is usable under Wikipedia's editorial standards. Information deriving from official sources but published in generally unreliable ones such as blogs, fansites, or forum posts is likely unusable. Much of what is called official often stems from primary sources such as the game itself, which should largely not be used (see above). Additionally, not all reliably sourced official information merits inclusion, and in fact the bulk of the article may be unofficial. An example of this is the release date: when the official date is at 1998 according to accurate but unreliable (by Wikipedia policy standards) information, but a reliable source writes that it is 1999, Wikipedia should include the latter. Even if one has the knowledge of memory or the word of a trustworthy individual, original research is off-limits.
The crux is that "official" is not relevant to Wikipedia standards. In fan communities, all information released by the game developers is official and important. In a Wikipedia article, information released by game developers is no different from any other reliable source; in fact, it may be less reliable under possible interpretations of the policy regarding self-published or primary sources.
Sourcing style
When citing a print magazine, the name of the magazine should be written in italics. Likewise for the video games themselves. The usage of italics for an online source depends on the nature of its content, and is detailed in the Manual of Style. When citing a particular article published by a magazine or website, or when citing a chapter within a video game, the title should be surrounded by quotes. The various citation sub-templates of {{cite}} handle this sort of thing for you automatically.
Review table
A review table exists to list several game reviews in a conveniently readable format. Game publications are specified using short alphanumeric codes to make managing lists is easier.
List
It is often difficult to gauge whether a source is reliable or not in the area of video gaming. The following is a list of sources that have been established as reliable in the field of video gaming per past consensus. Please bring up all new additions on the talk page before posting them below.
A Google Custom Search engine is available at http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=003516479746865699832:leawcwkqifq for Google-based searches of only the reliable source websites listed on this page. A second GoogleCustom Search engine available at http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=003516479746865699832:qdq1uk9p1ua can be used to search through the situational source websites listed on this page. Remember to examine the limitations listed for each situational source in the tables below.
Note: "Media" refers to the publication's principal means of content delivery.
Reliable sources
General
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1UP.com | online | features, news, reviews | Formerly EGM online site, merged with UGO in 2009.[1] | UGO Networks | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| allgame | online | credits, summaries, synopses | An extension of Allmusic by the same company to video games. Provides IMDb-like details for game credits and useful as a source for those within articles. | All Media Network (formerly Macrovision) | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Andriasang | online | features, news | Focused on the Japanese video games industry, contains weekly updates from Famitsu, Dengeki, Jump and other Japanese Magazines. The site is online, but is no longer updated. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Ars Technica | online | news, reviews | Ars Technica, Condé Nast Digital | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Blue's News | online | UGO Networks | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| CNET | online | features, news, reviews | CBS Corporation/CBS Interactive | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Edge (UK) | print, online | features, news, reviews | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| The Escapist | online | Features, news, reviews, criticism and opinion | Defy Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Eurogamer | online | features, news, reviews | Eurogamer Network | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| FiringSquad | online | Started by Dennis Fong aka "Thresh". The site's various articles has been cited in many publications and scholarly works. Passed FAC for Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Midtown Madness. | FS Media Inc. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| GameDaily | online | features, news, reviews | AOL | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Game Informer (US) | online | features, news, reviews | |||
| Gameplanet | online | features, news, reviews | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| GamePro (US) | print, online | console gaming | Sister magazine to GameStar. | IDG Entertainment | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GamerBytes | online | Gaming commentary for online marketplace games | Covers online marketplace games such as WiiWare, Xbox Live Arcade, and PlayStation Network. Often contains features that are published on its site before it reaches Gamasutra.[2] | Sister site of Gamasutra, Think Services | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Game Revolution | online | features, news, reviews | Site has been cited by numerous scholarly works. | AtomicOnline | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Gamertell | print, online | features, news, reviews | GameStop | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| GameSetWatch | online | Gaming commentary | Material is generally stuff that has already been published at Gamasutra but will often contain features that are published on its site before it reaches Gamasutra.[3] | Sister site of Gamasutra, Think Services | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GamesMaster (UK, PH) | features, news, reviews | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| GameSpy | online | features, news, reviews | Shared database with IGN. | J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GamesRadar | online | features, news, reviews | In the same network as Computer and Video Games, PC Gamer.[4] | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GameTrailers | online | hosting, reviews, video news | Make sure that you are not sourcing fanmade material. | MTV Networks | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GameZone (US, DE) | online | features, news, reviews | Recommended as an objective and reliable gaming site in books, and referenced for several of its articles in various books and scholarly works.[5] | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Good Game | online | Australian TV show which reviews video games, and has informative out-of-universe retrospective segments. Website comprehensive | Australian Broadcasting Corporation | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Hardcore Gamer Magazine (US) | print, online | DoubleJump Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| IGN (US, AU, UK) | online | features, news, reviews | Shared database with GameSpy. Make sure news item are not user-submitted info or blog postings; blog postings from site staff are most likely acceptable. |
J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| IndustryGamers | online | features, news, reviews | Independently owned | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Kotaku | online, blog | features, news, reviews | News posts after 2010 are considered reliable. For posts before 2010, only those (significant) opinion posts that are written by established writers are allowed. See:[6] Editors are cautioned of WP:DUCK for blog/geeky posts that have little news or reporting significance. | Gawker Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| MCV | print, online | events, features, news | Shared news coverage with Famitsu that is updated weekly. | Intent Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Nintendo World Report | online | news, features, reviews | Formerly known as Planet GameCube. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Play | print, online | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Polygon | online | Vox Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Shacknews | online | features, news, reviews | Full-time staff and editorial processes. staff about | GameFly | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| SKOAR! (IN) | Spinoff from technology magazine, Digit. | Owned by 9.9 Mediaworx | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| Stratos Group | online | Acknowledged industry experts.[7] | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| UGO Networks | online | features, news | Operate a host of related networked gaming sites. | Hearst Corporation | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| VG247 | online | features, news | Operated by industry veteran Patrick Garett as part of a collaboration with Eurogamer. Won best gaming blog at the Games Media Awards 2009. | Patrick Garett | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| VideoGamer.com | online | Provides content for Virgin Media.[8] Full-time staff includes industry veterans.[9][10] | Pro-G Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Voodoo Extreme | online | J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Wired | online | features, news | Condé Nast Publications | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| X-Play (US) | television, online | features, news, reviews | G4 | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
Foreign language
| Name | Media | Type | Language | Notes and limitations[1] | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Gamer.net (JP) | online | Japanese | Appears as if they copied IGN's site design. | Published by aetas. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Absolute Games (RU) | online | Russian | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |||
| Comptiq / MeadiaMixx Gaming Magazine (JP) | print, online | Japanese | Older issues deal with computers in general as the magazine transitioned to computer/video gaming. As of September 2003 the print magazine is known as MeadiaMixx Gaming Magazine. | Published by Kadokawa Shoten | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Dengeki (JP) | print, online | Japanese | Published by ASCII Media Works | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Famitsu (JP) | print, online | Japanese | Includes several spin-off publications dealing with specific platforms. | Published by Enterbrain | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| GamesTM (UK, DE, NL, BE) | news, reviews, features | Imagine Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |||
| Impress Watch (JP) | online | Japanese | Owned by Impress Group | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| ITmedia (JP) | online | Japanese | Owned by ITmedia | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Media Create (JP) | print, online | rankings, analysis, trends, etc. | Japanese | When citing their ranking page use Webcitation or another instant archiving resource as their pages change weekly and are not archived. Some of their older English and Japanese pages are archived. |
Media Create Co. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Power Unlimited (NL) | print, online | Dutch | Reshift Digital | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk |
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chart-Track | online | Monitors sales of software for the UK, Ireland and Denmark. | Controlled by research institute GfK.[11][12] | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| ELSPA | online | Sales and ratings organization for Europe. | Includes Famitsu (Japan) sales, ranging from 2005 to 2008.[13] | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Gamasutra | online | Focus on video game development, for video game developers. | United Business Media; sister publication to Game Developer magazine | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Game Developer (US) | Focus on video game development | CMP Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| GamesIndustry.biz | online | News, features, market and industry info | Sister site of Eurogamer | Eurogamer Network | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Game Studies | online | peer-reviewed, scholarly journal | Has a Board of reviewers from academic institutes, a team of editors, and is listed on the Directory of Open Access Journals. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Market for Home Computing and Video Games (UK) | print, online | Industry news, for industry insiders | Partnership with Famitsu.[14] | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| The MagicBox | online | Translates industry news and sales figures, notably Famitsu and Media Create | Also combines sales figures from sources for yearly figures (nothing we can't do per WP:CALC) WP:RS/N | Independant |
Platform-specific
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMIGA Magazine RACK | print, online | Amiga gaming | Use {{Cite journal}} when citing anything from a magazine page and do not directly link the site with the url parameter. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GameStar (DE, HU, CZ, IT, CN) | PC gaming | Sister magazine of GamePro. | IDG Entertainment | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Inside Mac Games | online | macintosh gaming site | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Killer List of Videogames | online | Arcade games | Has been cited and mentioned in several publications: magzines, websites, and books | International Arcade Museum | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| NGamer (UK) | Nintendo | Successor to NGC Magazine. | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| NintendoLife | online | Nintendo | Factual information (especially release dates); for editorial content, author reliability is needed. | Nlife Ltd. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) | print, limited online | Nintendo | EMAP, Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Official PlayStation Magazine (US, UK) | PlayStation | Various magazines bore this title at different times. | Various. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Official Xbox Magazine (US, UK) | Xbox, Xbox 360 | Sister magazine to PC Gamer. | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| PC Gamer (UK, US) | PC gaming | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| PC PowerPlay (AU) | PC gaming | Next Media Pty Ltd | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| PC Zone (UK) | PC gaming | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| PlayStation Blog | online (US/EU), blog | PlayStation | Newsblog, with posts mostly from 3rd-party dev studios including announcements, interviews and previews alongside 1st-party SCE Worldwide Studios devs. | Sony Computer Entertainment | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Rock, Paper, Shotgun | online, blog | PC gaming site | Blog-style website run by four experienced UK games journalists: Jim Rossignol, Kieron Gillen, John Walker and Alec Meer | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Sega Saturn Magazine | Sega Saturn | Successor to Sega Magazine, 1 | EMAP | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| SlideToPlay.com | online | iOS gaming site | Targets iOS games. See reliability discussion here | Independent | |
| TeamXbox | online | Xbox, Xbox 360 | J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
Genre-specific
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Gamers | online | Adventure games | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| HookShot Inc. | online | Downloadable games under $15 | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Just Adventure | online | Adventure games (mostly) | The site and its staff have been cited in numerous publications and have been the subject of multiple interviews by online gaming news sites with several of its members receiving prestigious awards for their work.[15] | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| RPGamer | online | Role-playing games | Part of the CraveOnline Gaming Channel | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| RPG Vault | online | Role-playing games | J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Sports Gaming Network | online | Sports games | The site has been cited in several publications and scholarly works.[16] | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Strategy Gaming Online | online | Strategy games | UGO Network | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | |
| Wargamer.com | online | Wargames (strategy and tactics) | Fairly rigorous editorial process,[17] staffed by experts on war-related and editorial fields,[18][19] and received several accolades from established sites.[20][21] | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
General computing
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac|Life / MacAddict (US) | Macintosh | Formerly a part of CD-ROM Today, along with boot (now Maximum PC). | Future US | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Macworld (US, CA, AU) | Macintosh | International Data Group; formerly in partnership with Ziff-Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| Maximum PC / boot (US) | Windows | Formerly a part of CD-ROM Today, along with MacAddict (now Mac|Life). | Future US | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| PC Format (UK) | Windows | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| RedBull Games | online | Multi-platform | RedBull | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk |
Aggregate sites
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GameStats | online | Aggregate review scores | Combines a "Press Rating" and "Gamer Rating" to produce and "Overall" score.[22] Please only cite the "Press Rating". | J2 Global > Ziff Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GameTab | online | Aggregate review scores | Uses statistical methods to weed out review scores that fall outside a given range.[23] | Ziff Davis > 1UP.com | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Metacritic | online | Aggregate review scores | Lowers scores of sites it deems "unreliable".[24] | CBS Corporation > CBS Interactive | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
Defunct
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| recently defunct | |||||
| Computer and Video Games (UK) | Multi-platform | The print version of this magazine was suspended for a while and reappeared in a bi-monthly form (CVG Presents) focusing each issue on the life history of a single games franchise. Ceased publication sometime during 2009. Website is a separate entity and unaffected by changes. CVG (1981–2004), CVG Presents (2008–2009) |
EMAP, Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Computer Games Magazine / Computer Games Strategy Plus / Strategy Plus (US) | Multi-platform | Currently in hiatus. May make a reappearance at some time in the future. (?–2007) |
Theglobe.com | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Computer Gaming World / Games for Windows (US, CA) | PC games, later Windows games | (1981–2006 / 2006–2008) | Ziff-Davis, later in partnership with Microsoft. Staff integrated into 1UP.com. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| EGM2 / Expert Gamer / GameNOW (US) | Tips, tricks & guides. | Affiliated with Electronic Gaming Monthly. (1994–1998 / 1998–2001 / 2001–2004) |
Sendai Publishing, Ziff-Davis | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) | console gaming | (1989–2009) | Ziff Davis; part of 1UP.com Network | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| GameFan / Diehard GameFan Magazine (US, CA) | Imports and anime. | (1992–2000) | DieHard Gamers Club, Metropolis Media, Shinno Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| MMO Games Magazine / Massive Magazine (US) | MMO gaming | Sister publication to Computer Games Magazine. (2006–2007) |
Theglobe.com | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Music4Games | online | Focus on video game music, music industry, etc. | Established editorial policies, major supporter/media partner of GDC and trade shows. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Next Generation Magazine (UK) | Games, games industry. | Affiliated with Edge. (1995–2002) |
Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| NGC Magazine / N64 Magazine (UK) | Nintendo 64, GameCube | Successor to Super Play. (2001–2006 / 1997–2001) |
Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Nintendo Power (US) | Nintendo | (1988–2012) Published by Nintendo before 2007. | Future US | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK) | Sega Dreamcast | (1999–2001) | Dennis Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Official Dreamcast Magazine (US) | Sega Dreamcast | (1999–2001) | Imagine Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Penny Arcade Report | online | news, features, reviews | Full-time staff and editorial processes. about (?–2013) | Penny Arcade | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Pocket Gamer (US, CA) | Handheld games | (2000–?) | Imagine Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| WorldsInMotion | online (archived) | Merged with Gamasutra as of 2012. (2007–2012) |
G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| retro | |||||
| Amiga Power (UK) | Amiga | (1991–1996) | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Amstrad Action (UK) | Amstrad CPC | (1985–1995) | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| CRASH (UK) | ZX Spectrum | (1984–1992) | Newsfield Publications Ltd | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Dragon (US) | ZX Spectrum | (1976–1007)[25] | TSR / WotC / Paizo | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Mean Machines (UK) | Multi-platform | Offshoot of Computer and Video Games. (1990–1992) |
EMAP | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| MEGA (UK) | Sega MegaDrive | (1992–1995) | Future Publishing, Maverick Magazines | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Play Time (DE) | Multi-platform | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |||
| Sinclair User (UK) | ZX Spectrum | (1982–1993) | EMAP | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Super Play (UK) | Super Nintendo | (1992–1996) | Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
| Your Sinclair (UK) | ZX Spectrum | (1984–1993) | Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | |
Situational sources
Sources in the following list should only be used for certain situations, as some of the content on the websites is deemed unreliable. Be sure to read a source's limitations before adding content to articles.
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| About.com | online | encyclopedia | This site should generally be used for its sources rather than for its content. Use of this site's content is restricted to signed post-2005 content depending on the reliability of the individual author, and specifically barring its use for fringe theories and BLPs. Articles sourced to Wikipedia are also to be excluded. | IAC | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Associated Content | online (blacklisted) | While content by reliable authors could be published there, it is highly unlikely. (see [26]) | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk | ||
| Bitmob | online | Multi-author blog | Content from the site's staff are approved sources given their collective industry experience. Articles where the author is listed as "Community Writer" are not to be used. | Bitmob Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Crispy Gamer | online | Multi-author blog | Authorship is composed of several independent games journalist, some with a strong history in gaming journalism, working together as a "Game Trust". Reliability should be based on author. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Deaf Gamers | online | Video game reviews for the handicapped | Reliable with regard to accessibility issues related to video games. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Destructoid | online | Multi-author blog site, "community blogging" | Like other blog sites, some content may be reliable, but only if the author can be established as such. | ModernMethod/Destructoid LLC | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Forbes | online, print | News magazine, "contributor" content | Forbes publishes content from salaried Forbes staff, and a vetted community of non-salaried Forbes contributors. Articles written by Forbes staff are reliable. Articles written by Forbes contributors do not have the same editorial oversight and may not be reliable. Editors are encouraged to find alternatives to contributor pieces. | Forbes | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Game Rankings | online | Aggregate review scores | Only counts sites which produce a stipulated minimum volume of output.[27] Do not use their release dates as they take them from GameFAQs. | CBS Corporation > CBS Interactive | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| GameSpot | online | news, features, reviews | GameSpot uses a similar interface for displaying news, user blogs, and "union" postings. Be careful to ensure that the author is a staff member. Some content used to be mirrored at Yahoo! Games. Their database is shared by http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/help/entry.html?cat=42 [GameFAQs] which is considered unreliable and their methods of verification do not meet the standards of Wikipedia. There is also other user-created content so beware! | CBS Corporation > CBS Interactive | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Giant Bomb | online | news, features, reviews, wiki | Reliable for reviews and news content submitted in the site's blog by the site's own editorial staff. Do not use the user contributed content from the site's article/database section for citations. | CBS Corporation > CBS Interactive | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Hardcore Gaming 101 | online | Video game articles | Reliability should be based on author. Content by writers like Retro Gamer's John Szczepaniak or Hardcore Gaming 101 head editor and Gamasutra author Kurt Kalata are reliable. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Jay Is Games | online | blog | Use of this site should be restricted to casual games and only if the review is written by Jay Bibby. This site cannot be used to demonstrate notability. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Joystiq | online, blog | multi-author blog | A blog network; use of this site and its affiliates should be carefully considered. Often, it is best to demonstrate the reliability of the individual authors sourced. | AOL > Weblogs, Inc. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Major League Gaming (MLGPro) | online | Primary site for Major League Gaming, an electronic sports league | As a primary source this can be used to verify contest results and other information directly related to MLG, but cannot be used to establish notability. | Competition web site | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Major Nelson's Blog | online, blog | Updates on Xbox Live content and performance | Should only be used for specific data on Xbox usage/download statistics, or for lack of any other corroborating sources on downloadable content/demo release dates. Replace if possible. | Self-published by Larry Hryb in a non-professional manner. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| The Mary Sue | online | news, features, reviews | Blog and original reporting focusing on women in "geek culture". Original reporting is reliable and original blogging may be appropriate for editorial/opinions, but reblogged content is not. (See discussion.) | Abrams Media | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| MTV Multiplayer | online | news, features, reviews | Blog-style game reporting from MTV editors. May need to demonstrate reliability of individual authors. | MTV Networks | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Offworld | online | Blog | Content is generally on niche titles or gaming news with meme-like attributes. Primary contributor is Brandon Boyer who also reports for Gamasutra and can be considered reliable; reliability of other content should be based on reliability of author. | Boing Boing, Happy Mutants LLC | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| ScrewAttack | online | Use of this source should be restricted to opinion, interviews, and material that also appears on GameTrailers.com. Factual claims should not be cited to this source. The user blog portion of this source should not be cited. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Siliconera | online | niche-market Blog | Interviews can be used in any article; other info can be used only for Japanese exclusive titles or titles there exclusive at the time the page being cited was published. | Independent | |
| Square Enix Music Online/Video Game Music Online | online/online | Video game music news, composer interviews, CD and concert reviews and reports | All content by the site staff except for composer biographies is considered reliable. Currently transitioning to new site name, Video Game Music Online. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| The Adrenaline Vault | online | Recently-resurrected former premier site. Now run by volunteers. May need to demonstrate reliability of author. about | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| TheMushroomKingdom | online | Information Database | Factual source only about Mario-related information exclusively | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| Twin Galaxies | online | Information Database | TG is one of the first authorities on video game record-setting (mainly score attack), having endured a hiatus and change of ownership with a new site. The old site is available via Internet Archive, for reference to vintage records. For modern records and for speed runs, consider Speed Demos Archive and Guinness due to TG's controversial rules and monetary solicitations. See Talk page. | Independent | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| WomenGamers.com | online | A blog; use of this site should be carefully considered. Often, it is best to demonstrate the reliability of the individual authors sourced. | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS | ||
| Xbox.com | online | Xbox official site | May not be appropriate for reviews, since it's owned by a game publisher. | Microsoft | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
| XBLA Fans | online | News blog, reviews, interviews | Authors listed in the collaboration with Gamesauce (print magazine)[28] may be used. Other authors must be proven reliable on a per-case basis. | Gorilla Networks LLC | G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS |
Unreliable sources
Sources in the following list should be not be used and replaced if possible; however, these sources may be useful in finding reference to other, more useful and reliable sources.
| Name | Media | Type | Notes and limitations | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything2 | online | User-contributed encyclopedia | Relies on user-submitted content. | Blockstackers Intergalactic |
| Game Boyz | online | Reviews | Has no editorial policies | Independent |
| Game Interface | online | Reviews | Has no editorial policies | Independent |
| GameClassification.com | online | Game synopses | Relies on user-submitted content. | Independent |
| GameFAQs | online | Walkthroughs, cheats and release dates | Relies on user-submitted content with no apparent editorial oversight. | CBS Interactive |
| online | Search engine | Search engines are not considered reliable sources. | ||
| Mana Pool | online | Reviews | Has no editorial policies | Independent |
| MobyGames | online | Game synopses, credits and aggregate review scores | Relies on user-submitted content. While it demands reliable sources for all contributions and all contributed information undergoes scrutiny by experienced users before publication, its info has been shown to be often erroneous and the sources provided by contributors are not publicly displayed. | Blue Flame Labs |
| Mod DB | online | Mod hosting, news and reviews | Has no editorial policies, so can only be used as a primary source for factual information about mods—by mod developers—where the same information cannot otherwise be retrieved from game documentation, developer websites, etc. | DesuraNet |
| N4G | online | News and reviews | Relies on user-submitted content. | Havamedia |
| N-Sider | online | News, reviews and features | Demoted for inaccurate articles and deliberate misinformation to pass off speculation as fact[29]. Also applies to IGN content contributed to by N-Sider ([30][31][32][33][34][35][36]). | Independent |
| TopTenReviews | online | Aggregate review scores | Writes reviews to boost game sales. | TechMediaNetwork |
| VGChartz | online | Sales figures (US, Japan and Europe) | While referenced in reliable sources, the site estimates and adjusts numbers without source referral (method analysis). Replace with NPD Group or Enterbrain numbers for US and Japan, respectively. Relevant discussions 1, 2, and 3. | Independent |
| VGReleases.com | online | News and release dates | Relies on user-submitted content. | Havamedia |
| Wikia | online | User-contributed encyclopedia | Wikia is expressly prohibited as a self-published source, as it is not known for fact checking or accuracy, and its content can wildly change at any time. | Independent |
| Wikipedia | online | User-contributed encyclopedia | Wikipedia is expressly prohibited as a self-published source, as it is not known for fact checking or accuracy, and its content can wildly change at any time. | Wikimedia Foundation |
| Wikis | online | User-contributed | Wiki websites such as StrategyWiki and Bulbapedia can be openly edited by anyone, and they do not have sufficient fact checking or editorial oversight in place. |
Checklist
This is a checklist/index of past discussions. Sources with green checkmarks (✓) are currently considered to meet reliability requirements; sources with red Xs (✗) are currently considered unreliable; sources with orange exclamation marks (!!!) are currently "situational" and may not be used in every circumstance (see the individual notes, above). Other sources have not been discussed at sufficient length to achieve consensus. Remember that consensus can change, so sites listed here may be upgraded or downgraded based on further discussion.
Discussions should be linked to if they exist. If a discussion link does not exist and you'd like confirmation regarding a source's reliability, please start a discussion on the Talk page. If you know of a source that is not listed, please add it, but forbear adding checkmarks until consensus regarding the source's reliability has been achieved.
See also
- Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2008-06-26/Dispatches
- Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Newsletter/20080806
- Template:Video game reviews (backlinks edit)
Notes
- ^ Ensure that the translation of its material is sound. URL must be filled if original material is available online to allow for verification.