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Aftermarket Games:Developer and Publisher Guide: Difference between revisions

New Games, Classic Systems
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 publisher profiles help visitors discover the people and organisations behind new games for classic gaming systems.
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 publishers: what's the difference? ==
== 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 developer and publisher.
A developer may also publish its own games. In that case, the same person or organisation can appear as both the Developer and Publisher.


Please use the role that accurately reflects their involvement in each game.
== How Developer and Publisher pages work ==


== Finding an existing profile ==
Developer and Publisher pages are automatically generated from information submitted through Game and Release entries.


Before adding information, check whether the developer or publisher already appears in the catalogue.
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 can explore existing entries through:
'''You do not need to create a separate profile.'''


* [[Special:RunQuery/DeveloperLookup|Developer Lookup]]
By default, these pages display the games associated with that Developer or Publisher. However, they may contain little additional information.
* [[Special:RunQuery/PublisherLookup|Publisher Lookup]]
 
You may also find developer and publisher links on individual game pages.


Profiles can exist in the catalogue even when no additional information, description or image has been supplied.
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.


Avoid creating duplicate names or profiles for organisations that are already listed.
Adding this information is entirely optional, but it helps visitors learn more about the people and organisations behind the games.


== Adding or editing developer information ==
== Adding or editing profile information ==


To contribute information about a developer:
To add additional details to an existing Developer or Publisher page:


# Register an account and confirm your email address.
# 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 developer through the catalogue or Developer Lookup.
# Open their page.
# Open the developer's page.
# 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 the information and submit your changes.
# Review and submit your changes.


If the developer is not yet listed, you may need to submit a game that identifies the developer before its catalogue entry becomes available.
You can find profiles using:


Do not create a duplicate developer entry simply because the existing profile contains little information.
* [[Special:RunQuery/DeveloperLookup|Developer Lookup]]
* [[Special:RunQuery/PublisherLookup|Publisher Lookup]]


== Adding or editing publisher information ==
Please update existing profiles rather than creating duplicate entries.


The process for publishers is similar:
== What information should I include? ==


# Sign in to your confirmed account.
The Developer or Publisher's name is already taken from the relevant Game or Release entry.
# Find the publisher through Publisher Lookup or a game's release information.
# Open the publisher's page.
# Select '''Add / Edit Publisher Information'''.
# Complete the available information fields.
# Review the details and submit your changes.
 
Remember that publishing and developing are different roles. A company may publish a game without having developed it.
 
== Profile information ==
 
The developer or publisher's '''name''' is the essential identifying information.


Additional profile information may include:
Additional profile information may include:


* '''Country:''' The country associated with the developer or publisher.
* '''Country:''' The country associated with the Developer or Publisher.
* '''Website:''' An official website, where available.
* '''Website:''' Their official website, where available.
* '''Description:''' A short, factual introduction explaining the person's or organisation's activities.
* '''Description:''' A short, factual introduction explaining their activities.
* '''Image or logo:''' A relevant image that helps identify the developer or publisher.
* '''Image or logo:''' A relevant image that helps identify the Developer or Publisher.


Only complete fields supported by the form. Fields not marked as required may be left blank.
Only complete the fields for which you have reliable information. Optional fields can be left blank.
 
Use the organisation's commonly recognised name and avoid unnecessary variations in spelling or formatting.


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 profile description ==
== Writing a good description ==


Descriptions should be clear, concise and factual.
A useful description explains who the Developer or Publisher is and what they do.


A useful description might explain:
You might include:


* Who the developer or publisher is.
* The types of games they develop or publish.
* What kind of games they create or publish.
* The classic gaming platforms they work with.
* Which classic gaming systems they work with.
* Relevant background or history.
* Any relevant history or background supported by reliable sources.
* 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 of a well-formatted description:'''
'''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.


Descriptions do not need to be lengthy. A short, accurate introduction is more useful than a detailed but unreliable biography.
A short, accurate introduction is better than a lengthy description containing unverified information.


== Country information ==
== Country information ==
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* Australia rather than AU.
* Australia rather than AU.


Use the country most clearly associated with the developer or publisher, where this can be verified.
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 a website domain.


If the country is uncertain, leave the field blank.
If the country is uncertain, leave the field blank.
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== Websites and external links ==
== Websites and external links ==


Where available, include the official website belonging to the developer or publisher.
Where available, include an official website belonging to the Developer or Publisher.
 
Links should be relevant and lead to legitimate websites.


Prefer official websites or accounts over third-party profiles, unofficial listings or unrelated retailers.
Prefer official websites and accounts over unofficial listings or third-party sources.


Do not include links to piracy websites or unauthorised downloads.
Links should be relevant and must not lead to piracy websites or unauthorised downloads.


If the form does not provide a field for a particular website or social media account, do not force that information into an unrelated field.
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 developer or publisher profile easier to recognise.
A relevant logo or image can make a Developer or Publisher profile more recognisable.


When contributing images:
When contributing images:
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* 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 images.
* Do not upload unrelated, misleading or clearly infringing material.
* Use only material that you have permission or another lawful basis to share.
* Only use material you have permission or another lawful basis to share.


Logos and other artwork generally remain subject to the rights of their respective owners.
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.


Displaying an image on Aftermarket Games does not make it freely available for others to reuse.
'''Important:''' Uploaded images may become publicly accessible before the associated profile changes have been approved.


'''Important:''' Uploaded images may become publicly accessible before the associated profile changes are approved.
See our [[Aftermarket_Games:General_disclaimer|Disclaimers & Terms of Use]] for further information.
 
For further information, see our [[Aftermarket_Games:General_disclaimer|Disclaimers & Terms of Use]].


== Sources and accuracy ==
== Sources and accuracy ==


We encourage contributors to rely on publicly available, verifiable information.
We encourage contributors to use reliable, publicly available information.


Useful sources include:
Good sources include:


* Official developer and publisher websites.
* Official Developer and Publisher websites.
* Official social media announcements.
* 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 release announcements and storefront listings.
* Official storefront listings.


Please avoid presenting speculation, assumptions or rumours as established facts.
Avoid presenting rumours, speculation or assumptions as established facts.


Do not copy substantial amounts of text from other websites without appropriate permission.
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 the catalogue.
Aftermarket Games uses moderation to help maintain the accuracy and consistency of its catalogue.


Registered contributors' submissions may require review before publication.
Registered contributors' submissions may require approval before publication.


Moderators can approve, reject or correct submissions where necessary.
Trusted users have additional publishing privileges, while moderators and administrators manage the review process.


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.
If information is incorrect or out of date, you're welcome to propose a correction.


== Keeping profiles up to date ==
== Keeping profiles up to date ==


Developer and publisher information can change over time.
Developer and Publisher information may change over time.
 
Websites may move, organisations may change names and new information may become available.
 
Where possible, update existing profiles rather than creating duplicates.
 
Preserving accurate names and relationships helps keep game listings and release information consistent throughout the catalogue.
 
== Community guidelines ==
 
All contributions should follow the website's [[Aftermarket_Games:General_disclaimer|Disclaimers & Terms of Use]] and community guidelines.
 
Please respect the work of developers, publishers, artists and other contributors.


Profiles should provide useful information rather than serve primarily as advertisements.
Websites can move, organisations can change names and new information may become available.


We welcome contributions from developers and publishers documenting their own work, as well as enthusiasts researching the history of aftermarket gaming.
Where possible, update existing profiles rather than creating duplicates. This helps keep Game pages and Release information consistent throughout the catalogue.


== Questions, corrections and feedback ==
== Questions and feedback ==


If you've found an error, have additional information or need help contributing to a profile, please visit our [[Aftermarket_Games:Contact|Contact page]].
For corrections, questions or assistance with profile information, please visit our [[Aftermarket_Games:Contact|Contact page]].


For information about submitting games, see the [[Aftermarket_Games:Contributing|Contributor Guide]].
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:

  1. Sign in to your Aftermarket Games account.
  2. Find the Developer or Publisher through an existing Game page or one of the lookup pages below.
  3. Open their page.
  4. Select Add / Edit Developer Information or Add / Edit Publisher Information.
  5. Complete the available information fields.
  6. 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.

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!