View source for Aftermarket Games:Contributing

= Contributing to Aftermarket Games =

Welcome to '''Aftermarket Games'''!

Aftermarket Games is a community-maintained catalogue dedicated to new games created for classic gaming systems.

Whether you're a developer, publisher, collector or retro gaming enthusiast, you're welcome to contribute. Our aim is to build an informative, accurate and accessible resource documenting the growing world of aftermarket gaming.

You don't need to be an expert to contribute. Every useful addition helps!

== What games can be added? ==

We welcome a wide range of games created for classic gaming systems, including:

* '''Aftermarket games:''' New games developed for older gaming systems after their original commercial lifespan.
* '''Homebrew games:''' Independently developed games for retro platforms.
* '''Commercial and free games:''' Both paid releases and freely distributed games are welcome.
* '''Upcoming games:''' Announced projects and games currently in development.
* '''Unreleased games:''' Games that have not received a public release, including cancelled projects where sufficient information is available.

Upcoming and unreleased games should have publicly available information supporting their existence.

ROM hacks are not currently included in the catalogue. Fan translations may be considered for inclusion in the future.

== ROM downloads and piracy ==

Aftermarket Games is a game information resource, not a ROM distribution website.

Links to official developer and publisher websites, digital storefronts, crowdfunding campaigns and other authorised download pages are welcome.

This includes pages offering free homebrew ROMs that have been legitimately released by their creators.

'''Please follow these rules:'''

* '''No direct ROM downloads.''' Links must lead to a webpage where visitors can obtain the game, rather than initiating a direct file download.
* '''No piracy websites.''' Do not link to websites distributing pirated or otherwise unauthorised game copies.
* '''No ROM uploads.''' ROM files must not be uploaded to Aftermarket Games.
* '''No unauthorised ROM dump releases.''' Do not add unofficial or unauthorised dumps of physical cartridges or disks as separate game releases.

A legitimate physical release can still be documented even if unauthorised copies exist elsewhere. Those copies must not be linked to or listed as additional releases.

Where possible, we encourage linking directly to the creator, publisher or an authorised retailer.

== Adding a new game ==

Adding a game is straightforward:

# Register an account and confirm your email address.
# Sign in and select '''Submit Game''' from the navigation menu.
# Complete the game submission form.
# Add relevant release information, screenshots and references where available.
# Submit your game for review.

You don't need to complete every optional field. Accurate information is more important than filling every box.

Before submitting, please check whether the game is already listed to avoid duplicate entries.

== Game information and releases ==

A game may have multiple releases across different platforms, publishers or distribution formats.

When adding release information, use the details relevant to that particular release.

For example, a game might have a digital release for one platform and a physical cartridge release for another.

Where possible, include an official website or authorised storefront link so visitors can find out more about the release or purchase the game.

If a platform isn't available in the form, use '''Other / Not Listed''' and provide the proposed platform name. A moderator can review the suggestion and assign the appropriate platform.

Avoid guessing dates, publishers, platforms or release details. If you're unsure and the field is optional, it's better to leave it blank.

== Languages ==

The Languages field is optional and allows multiple selections.

Only select languages supported by the game's '''in-game text, menus or dialogue'''.

Languages used solely in manuals, packaging or promotional material should not be included.

If the supported languages are unknown, leave the field blank. Do not assume a game supports English.

== Reporting generative AI use ==

Aftermarket Games records reported use of '''generative artificial intelligence''' in game development.

This information is community-reported and may not always have been confirmed by the developer or publisher.

The available categories are:

* '''Graphics:''' Generative AI used to create or substantially modify visual assets, such as sprites, backgrounds, character artwork or other in-game graphics.
* '''Sound:''' Generative AI used to create music, voices, sound effects or other audio.
* '''Text & Dialogue:''' Generative AI used to generate written content, such as dialogue, story material or in-game descriptions.
* '''Code:''' Generative AI used to generate programming code or scripts.

Select all categories that apply when reliable information is available.

'''None reported''' means that no generative AI use has been reported in the catalogue. It does not establish that a game was created without AI.

Conventional automation and non-generative software tools do not, by themselves, count as generative AI use.

Where possible, provide a source supporting the reported use. This could include a developer statement, development blog or other credible reference.

Be precise about what has been reported. For example, using AI-assisted development tools does not necessarily mean that a game's artwork or dialogue was generated by AI.

Games are not excluded simply because generative AI was used in their development.

== Screenshots and artwork ==

Screenshots and artwork help visitors discover games and understand what they look like.

You can contribute gameplay screenshots, promotional images, cover artwork and other relevant material.

'''Image guidelines:'''

* Use images relevant to the game.
* Supported formats include PNG, JPEG and WebP.
* The current upload size limit is 2 MiB.
* Avoid unnecessary duplicates and misleading or heavily altered images.
* Upload only material you're permitted to share.
* Provide appropriate attribution and source information where available.
* Do not upload unrelated, offensive or clearly infringing material.

Remember that screenshots, logos and promotional artwork may remain protected by their original owners' rights. Their inclusion in the catalogue does not automatically make them available under the wiki's text licence.

'''Important:''' Uploaded images may become publicly accessible before the associated game submission is approved.

== Sources and accuracy ==

We encourage contributors to include references wherever possible.

Useful sources include:

* Official developer and publisher websites.
* Developer announcements and social media posts.
* Crowdfunding campaign pages.
* Official storefront listings.
* Game documentation, manuals and release announcements.
* Interviews and other reliable sources with relevant information.

Please distinguish confirmed information from rumours, speculation or personal assumptions.

If information cannot be verified, avoid presenting it as established fact.

Citations are especially helpful when documenting release dates, development history, unusual features or reported generative AI use.

== Game submissions and moderation ==

New contributors' submissions are reviewed before appearing in the catalogue.

Moderators may approve, reject or correct submissions to help maintain the accuracy and consistency of the wiki.

Trusted users have additional publishing privileges, while moderators and administrators manage the review process.

You can also suggest corrections or improvements to existing game pages.

Please avoid submitting the same information repeatedly while waiting for a decision.

If a submission needs clarification, additional supporting information may be helpful.

== Community guidelines ==

Aftermarket Games aims to be a welcoming and useful resource for everyone interested in classic gaming and new games for older systems.

We ask contributors to:

* Treat other community members respectfully.
* Submit accurate, relevant information.
* Respect developers, publishers, artists and other creators.
* Avoid spam, vandalism and deliberately misleading information.
* Respect copyright and other intellectual property rights.
* Avoid promotional content unrelated to the catalogue.

Moderators may reject, correct or remove contributions that don't meet these guidelines.

== Questions, corrections and feedback ==

Spotted an error? Found a missing game? Have additional information about an existing release?

You're welcome to contribute an update or submit a new entry.

Aftermarket Games is an ongoing community project, and the catalogue will continue to grow and improve.

'''Thank you for helping document and preserve the world of aftermarket gaming!'''