StrategyWiki:Guide/Scope

StrategyWiki's ultimate goal is to become an all-encompassing video game strategy resource, and as such there are some things it simply won't encompass. This page is here to explain what those things are. Entries that do not meet all of the requirements outlined below are not allowed on the site. If you believe an exception should be made, please bring it up on the forums or in the staff lounge.

Game inclusion
StrategyWiki's goal is to document all video games. All games on this site must be computer, arcade, or video games. At this point in time, single-purpose systems (such as LCD games) are not covered here unless computer or video game versions of that very same game exist (e.g. the Game & Watch Gallery series). Similarly, board games such as Monopoly and card games such as UNO are only covered if they have an electronic equivalent. Also not covered here are online virtual communities or social networking sites (e.g. Second Life or Habbo Hotel). Any games released for a known video game system, made by a known developer or publisher, or sold commercially are welcome on this site.

Note that the following factors do not affect a game's inclusion:
 * 1) What language it is in. Japanese, French, Maori, Martian; it doesn't matter what language it is as long as the guide is in English.
 * 2) Whether it is still available. Games that were canceled but exist as prototypes (e.g. Star Fox 2) are still legitimate games, as are titles available exclusively for a now defunct service such as Sega Channel or the Satellaview. Even games that fulfill the criteria but are now completely unplayable (such as Neverwinter Nights (AOL)) are still valid for inclusion here because they are of historical significance. See the section below for exceptions.
 * 3) How popular it is or was. Even if hardly anybody has heard of the game, if it sufficiently fulfills the above criteria it is valid for inclusion. This includes all titles produced by recognized companies.  Likewise, a game that only receives short-term viral promotion doesn't guarantee inclusion if none of the other requirements are met.
 * 4) Whether it is licensed or unlicensed. StrategyWiki is not a legal entity, distributor of justice, nor a game developer or publisher. As a website established in the United States, we reserve our First Amendment rights to provide information, regardless of its legal status. However, we abide by fair use laws and will not provide images if requested. We do not host emulator or ROM files.

Non-commerical / non-notable games
Due to the ease of making and distributing flash, homebrew, ROM hacks and game mods, as well as the sheer number of them, these lesser known or smaller games must meet the following criteria:
 * 1) The game must be currently available to anyone who may read the guide.
 * 2) The game is mentioned somewhere other than the page or pages where the game is hosted.
 * 3) The guide is not used as an advertisement by the author of the game.

The following are characteristics that cannot be used to support a game's inclusion:
 * 1) The game has a page on a free hosting service, wiki farm or forum (e.g. Geocities or Wikia).
 * 2) The game is on a game hosting site (e.g. Armor Games or Kongregate).
 * 3) You really like the game.

Guide scope
Every guide should revolve around a central walkthrough that leads a player from start to finish in a game. Additional complementary elements can be added, such as appendices for the databases in the game, maps, side quest guides, specific gameplay elements that need to be expanded, move lists, character information, and more. Additional game info not concerned with actual gameplay help should not be added (such as credit listings or plot summaries); the exception here is on the main page of a guide, where a simple bio and plot description should be added.

The following elements are outside of guide scope. This list cannot be comprehensive, so when in doubt, avoid adding anything to a guide that doesn't help a player beat a game, add to a player's enjoyment of a game or increase a player's general knowledge of a game.
 * Any extremely detailed information that doesn't have to do with playing the game. This includes character information and plot analyses.
 * Speculation. Opinions and speculation should be avoided, and if important, simply noted objectively. Avoid making the guide read like a fansite.
 * High score lists and player rankings. These are constantly changing and have nothing to do with beating a game.
 * Tournament results. This mainly applies to games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl or Street Fighter IV, that have very active competitive user bases. Once again, these have nothing to do with beating the game.
 * The culture surrounding a game. This includes (perceived or real) impact on society or gaming, essays on themes in the game or explanations of the links between the game and something else. Keep in mind that any of these things can be briefly touched on, on the main page of the guide.
 * Acquiring game ROMs or game downloads. This is illegal for the great majority of readers, and StrategyWiki isn't concerned with helping people find games, but rather how to beat them. Please note that a link to a flash game, freeware game, etc. (provided they meet the rules for inclusion) are welcome in the infobox on the guide's main page.
 * Factual information about how things operate(d) in real life. This mainly applies to games that have a basis in real life. This is a strategy guide, not an encyclopedia.
 * Private servers. Unless the official servers have shut down, ignore private servers entirely.