Editing StrategyWiki:Guide/Scope

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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 [http://forums.abxy.org/viewforum.php?f=19 the forums] or in the [[StrategyWiki:Staff lounge|staff lounge]].

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==Game inclusion==
StrategyWiki's goal is to document as many video games as possible. All games included on this site must be computer, arcade, or console-based video games. 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:
# '''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.
# '''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.
# '''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. 
# '''Whether it is licensed or unlicensed'''. Unlicensed games are allowed as long as they meet the above inclusion rules.

;Excluded games
At this point in time the following are not covered by StrategyWiki:
*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).
*Board games such as [[Monopoly]] and card games such as [[UNO]] are only covered if they have an electronic equivalent.
*Not covered here are online virtual communities or social networking sites (e.g. Second Life or Habbo Hotel).

===Non-commercial, 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:
# The game must be currently available to anyone who may read the guide.
# The game is mentioned in a notable third party source other than the page or pages where the game is hosted.

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

;Elements 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.

Additional game info not concerned with actual gameplay help should not be added; the exception here is on the main page of a guide, where a simple bio and plot description should be added. For example:
* Any extremely detailed information that doesn't have to do with playing the game. This includes character 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 [[#Non-commerical / non-notable games|rules for inclusion]]) is 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.
**History lessons. You may link to pages on Wikipedia, but do not elaborate on the etymology of game elements (e.g. names) or historical references. Many games like [[Age of Empires]] revolve around pseudo-realism. Writing about how the video games' campaign differs from the history of a civilization and its wars are not allowed here. Nor is a background on World War II equipment.
*Private servers. Unless the official servers have shut down, ignore private servers entirely.
*Info about the price of a game or virtual element of the game (item, skin, bundle, etc.). Real world prices should not be included as they fluctuate and don't impact gameplay.

;Exceptions
*Credits. Credit pages are acceptable. Keep them simple and presented like in-game.
*Dialog lists.
*Plot outlines.

==System inclusion==
Any commercially available physical hardware device that can run a game that satisfies the above inclusion criteria is considered within scope.  Additionally, any system created or developed by a company that satisfies the inclusion criteria is considered within scope.

==Company inclusion==
A company which has been the [[:Category:Companies|developer]], [[:Category:Distributors|distributor]] or [[:Category:Companies|publisher]] of a game that satisfies the above inclusion criteria is considered within scope.  Additionally, any company that has created or developed a system that satisfies the inclusion criteria is considered within scope.

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