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Created page with "__NOTOC__ = Developer & Publisher Guide = Welcome to the Aftermarket Games Developer & Publisher Guide! Developer and publisher profiles help visitors discover the people and organisations behind new games for classic gaming systems. Whether you're documenting an independent developer, a homebrew team or a publisher specialising in physical releases, your contributions help build a more complete catalogue. You don't need to be the developer or publisher yourself to c..." |
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Welcome to the Aftermarket Games Developer & Publisher Guide! | Welcome to the Aftermarket Games Developer & Publisher Guide! | ||
Developer and | Developer and Publisher profiles help visitors discover the people and organisations behind new games for classic gaming systems. | ||
Whether you're documenting an independent developer, a homebrew team or a publisher specialising in physical releases, your contributions help build a more complete catalogue. | Whether you're documenting an independent developer, a homebrew team or a publisher specialising in physical releases, your contributions help build a more complete catalogue. | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
You don't need to be the developer or publisher yourself to contribute. Reliable, publicly available information is welcome. | You don't need to be the developer or publisher yourself to contribute. Reliable, publicly available information is welcome. | ||
== Developers and | == Developers and Publishers: what's the difference? == | ||
'''Developers''' are the people, teams or organisations responsible for creating a game. | '''Developers''' are the people, teams or organisations responsible for creating a game. | ||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
'''Publishers''' are responsible for publishing, distributing or bringing a game to market. This may include arranging physical production, digital distribution or marketing. | '''Publishers''' are responsible for publishing, distributing or bringing a game to market. This may include arranging physical production, digital distribution or marketing. | ||
A developer may also publish its own games. In that case, the same person or organisation can appear as both the | A developer may also publish its own games. In that case, the same person or organisation can appear as both the Developer and Publisher. | ||
== How Developer and Publisher pages work == | |||
Developer and Publisher pages are automatically generated from information submitted through Game and Release entries. | |||
When a Developer is listed on a Game page, or a Publisher is listed in a Release, Aftermarket Games automatically makes them available in the catalogue. | |||
You | '''You do not need to create a separate profile.''' | ||
By default, these pages display the games associated with that Developer or Publisher. However, they may contain little additional information. | |||
If you'd like to make a profile more informative and help it stand out, you can add details such as a description, country, official website and logo. | |||
Adding this information is entirely optional, but it helps visitors learn more about the people and organisations behind the games. | |||
== Adding or editing | == Adding or editing profile information == | ||
To | To add additional details to an existing Developer or Publisher page: | ||
# Sign in to your Aftermarket Games account. | |||
# Sign in to Aftermarket Games. | # Find the Developer or Publisher through an existing Game page or one of the lookup pages below. | ||
# Find the | # Open their page. | ||
# Open | # Select '''Add / Edit Developer Information''' or '''Add / Edit Publisher Information'''. | ||
# Select '''Add / Edit Developer Information'''. | |||
# Complete the available information fields. | # Complete the available information fields. | ||
# Review | # Review and submit your changes. | ||
You can find profiles using: | |||
* [[Special:RunQuery/DeveloperLookup|Developer Lookup]] | |||
* [[Special:RunQuery/PublisherLookup|Publisher Lookup]] | |||
Please update existing profiles rather than creating duplicate entries. | |||
== What information should I include? == | |||
The Developer or Publisher's name is already taken from the relevant Game or Release entry. | |||
Additional profile information may include: | Additional profile information may include: | ||
* '''Country:''' The country associated with the | * '''Country:''' The country associated with the Developer or Publisher. | ||
* '''Website:''' | * '''Website:''' Their official website, where available. | ||
* '''Description:''' A short, factual introduction explaining | * '''Description:''' A short, factual introduction explaining their activities. | ||
* '''Image or logo:''' A relevant image that helps identify the | * '''Image or logo:''' A relevant image that helps identify the Developer or Publisher. | ||
Only complete fields | Only complete the fields for which you have reliable information. Optional fields can be left blank. | ||
If a detail cannot be verified, it's better to leave it blank than to guess. | If a detail cannot be verified, it's better to leave it blank than to guess. | ||
== Writing a good | == Writing a good description == | ||
A useful description explains who the Developer or Publisher is and what they do. | |||
You might include: | |||
* | * The types of games they develop or publish. | ||
* The classic gaming platforms they work with. | |||
* | * Relevant background or history. | ||
* | * Notable projects or specialisations. | ||
Avoid promotional language, unsupported claims or copying large sections of text from other websites. | Keep descriptions clear, factual and concise. Avoid promotional language, unsupported claims or copying large sections of text from other websites. | ||
'''Example | '''Example:''' | ||
''Example Retro Studio is an independent game developer creating new games for classic gaming systems. The studio focuses on original titles designed to run on original hardware.'' | ''Example Retro Studio is an independent game developer creating new games for classic gaming systems. The studio focuses on original titles designed to run on original hardware.'' | ||
| Line 100: | Line 84: | ||
This is a fictional example intended to demonstrate writing style. | This is a fictional example intended to demonstrate writing style. | ||
A short, accurate introduction is better than a lengthy description containing unverified information. | |||
== Country information == | == Country information == | ||
| Line 112: | Line 96: | ||
* Australia rather than AU. | * Australia rather than AU. | ||
Do not infer someone's nationality or location from their name, language or website domain. | |||
Do not infer someone's nationality or location from their name, language or | |||
If the country is uncertain, leave the field blank. | If the country is uncertain, leave the field blank. | ||
| Line 120: | Line 102: | ||
== Websites and external links == | == Websites and external links == | ||
Where available, include | Where available, include an official website belonging to the Developer or Publisher. | ||
Prefer official websites | Prefer official websites and accounts over unofficial listings or third-party sources. | ||
Links should be relevant and must not lead to piracy websites or unauthorised downloads. | |||
Only use fields provided by the submission form. Do not force additional links into unrelated fields. | |||
== Images and logos == | == Images and logos == | ||
A relevant logo or image can make a | A relevant logo or image can make a Developer or Publisher profile more recognisable. | ||
When contributing images: | When contributing images: | ||
| Line 140: | Line 120: | ||
* Avoid unnecessarily large image files. | * Avoid unnecessarily large image files. | ||
* Preserve copyright notices and attribution where applicable. | * Preserve copyright notices and attribution where applicable. | ||
* Do not upload unrelated, misleading or clearly infringing | * Do not upload unrelated, misleading or clearly infringing material. | ||
* | * Only use material you have permission or another lawful basis to share. | ||
Images and logos generally remain subject to the rights of their respective owners. Their inclusion on Aftermarket Games does not make them freely available for reuse. | |||
'''Important:''' Uploaded images may become publicly accessible before the associated profile changes have been approved. | |||
See our [[Aftermarket_Games:General_disclaimer|Disclaimers & Terms of Use]] for further information. | |||
== Sources and accuracy == | == Sources and accuracy == | ||
We encourage contributors to | We encourage contributors to use reliable, publicly available information. | ||
Good sources include: | |||
* Official | * Official Developer and Publisher websites. | ||
* Official social media | * Official announcements and social media accounts. | ||
* Game credits and documentation. | * Game credits and documentation. | ||
* Crowdfunding campaign pages. | * Crowdfunding campaign pages. | ||
* Interviews with the people involved. | * Interviews with the people involved. | ||
* Official | * Official storefront listings. | ||
Avoid presenting rumours, speculation or assumptions as established facts. | |||
Do not copy substantial amounts of text from | Do not copy substantial amounts of text from another website without appropriate permission. | ||
If information is disputed or difficult to verify, provide a credible source or contact the website administrators for guidance. | If information is disputed or difficult to verify, provide a credible source or contact the website administrators for guidance. | ||
| Line 172: | Line 150: | ||
== Submissions and moderation == | == Submissions and moderation == | ||
Aftermarket Games uses moderation to help maintain the accuracy and consistency of | Aftermarket Games uses moderation to help maintain the accuracy and consistency of its catalogue. | ||
Registered contributors' submissions may require | Registered contributors' submissions may require approval before publication. | ||
Trusted users have additional publishing privileges, while moderators and administrators manage the review process. | |||
Moderators may approve, reject or correct submissions where necessary. | |||
Please check your information before submitting and avoid repeatedly submitting the same changes while awaiting review. | Please check your information before submitting and avoid repeatedly submitting the same changes while awaiting review. | ||
== Keeping profiles up to date == | == Keeping profiles up to date == | ||
Developer and | Developer and Publisher information may change over time. | ||
Websites can move, organisations can change names and new information may become available. | |||
Where possible, update existing profiles rather than creating duplicates. This helps keep Game pages and Release information consistent throughout the catalogue. | |||
== Questions | == Questions and feedback == | ||
For corrections, questions or assistance with profile information, please visit our [[Aftermarket_Games:Contact|Contact page]]. | |||
For | For instructions on adding Games and Releases, see the [[Aftermarket_Games:Contributing|Contributor Guide]]. | ||
Thank you for helping document the people and organisations keeping classic gaming systems alive! | Thank you for helping document the people and organisations keeping classic gaming systems alive! | ||
Latest revision as of 09:49, 31 October 2026
Developer & Publisher Guide
Welcome to the Aftermarket Games Developer & Publisher Guide!
Developer and Publisher profiles help visitors discover the people and organisations behind new games for classic gaming systems.
Whether you're documenting an independent developer, a homebrew team or a publisher specialising in physical releases, your contributions help build a more complete catalogue.
You don't need to be the developer or publisher yourself to contribute. Reliable, publicly available information is welcome.
Developers and Publishers: what's the difference?
Developers are the people, teams or organisations responsible for creating a game.
Publishers are responsible for publishing, distributing or bringing a game to market. This may include arranging physical production, digital distribution or marketing.
A developer may also publish its own games. In that case, the same person or organisation can appear as both the Developer and Publisher.
How Developer and Publisher pages work
Developer and Publisher pages are automatically generated from information submitted through Game and Release entries.
When a Developer is listed on a Game page, or a Publisher is listed in a Release, Aftermarket Games automatically makes them available in the catalogue.
You do not need to create a separate profile.
By default, these pages display the games associated with that Developer or Publisher. However, they may contain little additional information.
If you'd like to make a profile more informative and help it stand out, you can add details such as a description, country, official website and logo.
Adding this information is entirely optional, but it helps visitors learn more about the people and organisations behind the games.
Adding or editing profile information
To add additional details to an existing Developer or Publisher page:
- Sign in to your Aftermarket Games account.
- Find the Developer or Publisher through an existing Game page or one of the lookup pages below.
- Open their page.
- Select Add / Edit Developer Information or Add / Edit Publisher Information.
- Complete the available information fields.
- Review and submit your changes.
You can find profiles using:
Please update existing profiles rather than creating duplicate entries.
What information should I include?
The Developer or Publisher's name is already taken from the relevant Game or Release entry.
Additional profile information may include:
- Country: The country associated with the Developer or Publisher.
- Website: Their official website, where available.
- Description: A short, factual introduction explaining their activities.
- Image or logo: A relevant image that helps identify the Developer or Publisher.
Only complete the fields for which you have reliable information. Optional fields can be left blank.
If a detail cannot be verified, it's better to leave it blank than to guess.
Writing a good description
A useful description explains who the Developer or Publisher is and what they do.
You might include:
- The types of games they develop or publish.
- The classic gaming platforms they work with.
- Relevant background or history.
- Notable projects or specialisations.
Keep descriptions clear, factual and concise. Avoid promotional language, unsupported claims or copying large sections of text from other websites.
Example:
Example Retro Studio is an independent game developer creating new games for classic gaming systems. The studio focuses on original titles designed to run on original hardware.
This is a fictional example intended to demonstrate writing style.
A short, accurate introduction is better than a lengthy description containing unverified information.
Country information
Use a recognised country name rather than an abbreviation or informal nickname.
For example:
- United States of America rather than USA.
- United Kingdom rather than UK.
- Australia rather than AU.
Do not infer someone's nationality or location from their name, language or website domain.
If the country is uncertain, leave the field blank.
Websites and external links
Where available, include an official website belonging to the Developer or Publisher.
Prefer official websites and accounts over unofficial listings or third-party sources.
Links should be relevant and must not lead to piracy websites or unauthorised downloads.
Only use fields provided by the submission form. Do not force additional links into unrelated fields.
Images and logos
A relevant logo or image can make a Developer or Publisher profile more recognisable.
When contributing images:
- Prefer official logos or appropriate promotional material.
- Use a clear image that displays well at smaller sizes.
- Avoid unnecessarily large image files.
- Preserve copyright notices and attribution where applicable.
- Do not upload unrelated, misleading or clearly infringing material.
- Only use material you have permission or another lawful basis to share.
Images and logos generally remain subject to the rights of their respective owners. Their inclusion on Aftermarket Games does not make them freely available for reuse.
Important: Uploaded images may become publicly accessible before the associated profile changes have been approved.
See our Disclaimers & Terms of Use for further information.
Sources and accuracy
We encourage contributors to use reliable, publicly available information.
Good sources include:
- Official Developer and Publisher websites.
- Official announcements and social media accounts.
- Game credits and documentation.
- Crowdfunding campaign pages.
- Interviews with the people involved.
- Official storefront listings.
Avoid presenting rumours, speculation or assumptions as established facts.
Do not copy substantial amounts of text from another website without appropriate permission.
If information is disputed or difficult to verify, provide a credible source or contact the website administrators for guidance.
Submissions and moderation
Aftermarket Games uses moderation to help maintain the accuracy and consistency of its catalogue.
Registered contributors' submissions may require approval before publication.
Trusted users have additional publishing privileges, while moderators and administrators manage the review process.
Moderators may approve, reject or correct submissions where necessary.
Please check your information before submitting and avoid repeatedly submitting the same changes while awaiting review.
Keeping profiles up to date
Developer and Publisher information may change over time.
Websites can move, organisations can change names and new information may become available.
Where possible, update existing profiles rather than creating duplicates. This helps keep Game pages and Release information consistent throughout the catalogue.
Questions and feedback
For corrections, questions or assistance with profile information, please visit our Contact page.
For instructions on adding Games and Releases, see the Contributor Guide.
Thank you for helping document the people and organisations keeping classic gaming systems alive!