VGMS

Definition Proper names used to refer to a video game, assigned by the creator
Marks [R], [+]
Instructions Using the "transcribed" attribute, transcribe the title as it appears on the CSI. When different titles are used in the CSI, transcribe the most prominently displayed title. When it is unclear which title is most prominent, transcribe the most frequently occurring iteration of the title used in the CSI.
Enter variant titles using the “alternative” attribute. Enter commonly used shortened versions of transcribed titles using the abbreviated” attribute. For titles commonly used in conversation, use the “colloquial” attribute.
When the title is in a language other than English, trascribe it in the original language. When the title is written in multiple languages, transcribe it as it appears in those languages.
Record a single transcribed title. Record any number of alternative, abbrevaited, and colloquial titles.
Attributes
  • Transcribed [R]
  • Alternative [+]
  • Abbreviated [+]
  • Colloquial [+]
    • Examples
  • Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable [Transcribed]
  • P3P [Abbreviated]
    		•
    Definition The overall nature of a video game’s interactivity based on its objectives, types of rules, distinctive characteristics, modes of action, and manners of gameplay.
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Determine gameplay genre from the primary and secondary CSI. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for GAMEPLAY GENRE at the most specific level possible.
    Record up to three terms.
    Definition The narrative genre describes the type of game world and plot, similar to literary genres such as science fiction and fantasy
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine narrative genre (or lack of narrative genre) from the CSI. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for NARRATIVE GENRE at the most specific level possible.
    Record up to three terms, or record only “No narrative” for games lacking a narrative component.
    Definition A brief statement or account of events in the video game.
    Instructions Write a brief summary of the video game's narrative and/or main features in a free text form.
    Avoid the use of marketing and critical review sources; use factual information and neutral language.
    Definition A common thread, motif, subject, or idea that recurs in the video game. (modified from Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus)
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the theme from the primary and secondary CSI. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for THEME.
    Record up to three terms.
    Definition The type of world, location and time period in which the video game takes place
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the type of world, location, time period from the primary and secondary CSI. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the controlled vocabulary for each attribute:
  • Controlled Vocabulary SETTING – PLACE
  • Controlled Vocabulary SETTING – WORLD
  • Controlled Vocabulary SETTING - TIME PERIOD
    • Record up to three terms for each attribute.
    Attributes
  • World [+]
  • Place [+]
  • Time Period [+]
    		•
    Examples Persona 3
  • World: alternate
  • Place: urban; school
  • Time Period: 2009
    		•
    Definition The pervading atmosphere or tone of the video game which evokes or recalls a certain emotion or state of mind.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Identify the prevailing mood(s) of the video game according to the CSI; generally, the experience of playing or watching a gameplay video may be the most reliable source of this information. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for MOOD Record up to three terms.
    Examples Katamari Damacy
  • cute
  • quirky
  • humorous
    		•
    Definition A primary method or rule used to interact with the game state and progress through the game content
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Identify the mechanics of the video game according to the CSI; generally, the experience of playing or watching a gameplay video may be the most reliable source of this information. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for MECHANICS (under development)
    Record up to three terms.
    Examples Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords:
  • Swap 3
  • Resource management
  • Leveling
    		•
    Definition A description of how the player progresses or advances through the video game.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the manner in which the character progresses through the video game according to the following controlled vocabulary:
  • Linear: There is one general path from the beginning to end.
  • Branching: Play progresses through a branching tree of options, or players may choose which branch(es) to complete in an order they choose.
  • Open world: The player has great agency to explore the game world freely and progress at their own pace.
  • Other: A type of progression not outlined above.
    • Record as many terms as necessary.
    Examples Super Mario Brothers: linear MegaMan: branching Skyrim: open world
    Definition The nature of the main character(s) in the game, from the viewpoint of the characters(s) the player assumes.
    Instructions Determine the type of protagonist from the primary and secondary CSI. Record the most appropriate term(s) from the Controlled Vocabulary for PROTAGONIST (under development).
    Definition A generally recognizable narrative device or convention. Tropes rely on culturally mediated expectations to expedite the development of events, characterization, or narrative. When overused or over-simplified, tropes often come at the expense of fair and inclusive representations of vulnerable identities.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Identify the key tropes of the video game according to the CSI, and other reference sources (e.g., reviews, critiques, walkthroughs, or guides).
    There are two cateogires of tropes: character tropes and narrative tropes. Select the most appropriate term(s) from the controlled vocabulary for this element.
  • Controlled Vocabulary TROPES - CHARACTER TROPES
  • Controlled Vocabulary TROPES - NARRATIVE TROPES
    • Record as many terms as necessary.
    Examples Final Fantasy VII
  • The Token Black Person (Barett–Character Trope)
  • Darkest Before the Dawn (Narragive Trope)
    		•
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the video game.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics of the Game entity which not captured in other fields. This may include explanations regarding other elements in this entity
    Definition The operating system or device on which the video game was designed to be played.
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Record the platform for which the video game is made as it appears on the GAMECIP - Computer Game Platforms controlled vocabulary.
    For mobile devices and newer operating systems that are not found in the controlled vocabulary, you may have to create new terms (e.g., Android, Apple iOS). Specific version requirements, especially for games designed for multiple versions of an operating system, may be recorded in System Requirements, below, rather than in this element.
    Examples Forza 5: Microsoft Xbox One Marathon:
  • Apple iOS
  • Apple Mac OS X
  • Apple System 7
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Linux
    		•
    Definition Hardware, firmware, and/or software components that are prerequisites for running the video game on a particular platform.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine system requirements from CSI. If applicable, describe “minimum” and “recommended” requirements. This is primarily for games designed for personal computers; it is not usually necessary to include system requriements for consoles and other devices.
    Attributes
  • Minimum
  • Recommended
    		•
    Examples Deux Ex: Human Revolution (Microsoft Windows):
  • Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 with DirectX 9.0c; 2 GHz dual core processor; 1 GB RAM (Windows XP) / 2 GB (Windows Vista and Windows 7); NVIDIA GeForce 8000 series or ATI Radeon HD 2000 series or better graphics card; 8.5 GB disk space [Minimum]
  • Windows 7; AMD Phenom II X4 or Intel Core 2 Quad or better; 2 GB RAM; AMD Radeon HD 5850 graphics card; 8.5 GB disk space [Recommended]
    		•
    Definition The additional hardware devices that are recommended or required for playing the video game (e.g. motion controller; gaming headset).
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the required and/or recommended special hardware as it appears in the CSI. In many cases, this information can be identified on the CSI as “compatible” hardware.
    Attributes
  • Required
  • Recommended
    		•
    Examples The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: Wii MotionPlus [Required]
    Definition The ways in which the video game can be experienced through connection(s) to other entities (e.g.companies, third-party organizations,other players)
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the networked features as they appear on CSI.
    If the Platform element includes only platforms which do not support networked features, leave this element blank or NULL.
    If the platform element includes platforms with support for networked features but you determine the video game does not offer any, record “None” rather than leaving this element blank or NULL.
    Examples LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Xbox 360): voice
    Definition The technology through which the online features of the video game are realized.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Where applicable, specify connectivity information for the following three attributes: method, network type, and bandwidth. Select terms from the CV below.
    Attributes Method:
  • Wired
  • Wireless
  • Both
    • Network type:
  • User-to-user
  • Server-based
  • Hybrid
    • Bandwidth [+]:
  • Required
  • Recommended
    • Record as many terms as necessary.
    Definition The number or range of the number of players the video game can accommodate either separately or concurrently.
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Determine the number of players based on the CSI. Indicate the minimum-to-maximum range of concurrent players (e.g. 1, 1-2, 1-8). Massively multiplayer play should be recorded as "1-many".
    If the video game has additional modes (e.g. local or online competitive/ cooperative modes) record the number of players for those modes by repeating the element. If the number of players is unknown, record “unknown”.
    Record as many terms as necessary, or record only “unknown”
    Examples Crackdown:
  • 1
  • 2 [system link]
  • 2 [online co-op]
    		•
    Definition How the video game ends and/or the inclusion of post-game content.
    Instructions Determine and specify the ending information from the CSI (“Over 80 possible endings”, “New Game+ feature”, etc.).
    Record values for the following three attributes:
  • End: Does it end?;
  • Multiple endings: Does it have multiple endings?;
  • Post-game content: Is there any post-game content or options?
    • Attributes End: Y/N
    Multiple endings: Y/N
    Post-game content: Y/N
    Examples Tetris: N [end]
    Final Fantasy XV: Y [end]; N [multiple endings]; Y [post-game content]
    Definition The predominant and recognizable visual appearance of a video game asoriginally intended by its creator, and/or determined in the context ofcreation.r
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the visual style from the CSI, and select the mostappropriate term(s) from the controlled vocabularies:
  • Controlled Vocabulary for VISUAL STYLE – COLOR
  • Controlled Vocabulary for VISUAL STYLE – LIGHT
  • Controlled Vocabulary for VISUAL STYLE – STYLE
    • When multiple styles are used, only record the predominent style(s).
    Record up to three terms for the “style” attribute. Record up to one term each for the “color” and “light” attributes.
    Definition The intended perception of the depth of the represented entities inside the video game.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine how depth is intended to be percieved in the video game and select the most appropriate term from the following controlled vocabulary:
  • 2D
  • 3D
  • Stereoscopic 3D
  • Unknown
    • Record as many terms as necessary. When multiple dimensions areused, only record the predominent dimension(s)
    Definition The perspective from which the player experiences the gameplay.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the perspective from which the player experiences major portions of the video game. Record the appropriate term from the following controlled vocabulary:
  • First person
  • Third person
  • Overhead
  • Other
    • Record as many terms as necessary. When multiple points of view are used, only record the predominent point(s) of view
    Examples Wolfenstein 3D: first person
    Definition The video footage released and/or endorsed by the developer/publisher of the video game for promotional purposes.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the URL for a trailer as found on the CSI. Include the retrieved date information.
    If possible, provide links to official trailers.
    This element provides only information regarding trailers, not game play videos.
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the platform edition.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics of the platform edition, not captured in other fields.
    Definition A word or phrase appearing in the video game denoting the uniqueness of the local release (e.g., second edition, greatest hits, collector edition limited edition) COModified from FRBR, 2009, p. 41LOR
    Instructions Record the local release subtitle as it appears on the CSI, if applicable
    Definition The classification code for the language(s) in which the video game conveys information.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Identify the primary language(s) in which the video game conveys information. When users can change language settings, provide all the available language options. Use the appropriate language code from ISO 639. If no language code is available use “OT” for “other”.
    Record as many terms as necessary.
    Definition The classification code that indicates the video encoding and regional hardware necessary to realize the video game.
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Identify the region code(s) as they appear on the CSI. On physical cases, they may be located on the back or spine of the case. On physical discs or cartridges, they may be located on the front side of the medium. If the secondary sources confirm that the item is not region-specific, record “region-free”. If the classification code is unknown, record “unknown”.
    Record as many terms as necessary
    Examples Portal 2 (Xbox): NTSC
    Definition The in-game options for difficulty of game play
    Instructions Determine the options for customizing the game play difficulty from the CSI. Transcribe the different options as given in the video game (e.g., “insanity”, “god mode”), separating entries with semicolons.
    Examples Doom: I'm too young to die; Hey, not too rough; Hurt me plenty; UltraViolence; Nightmare!
    Definition The classification of the content in the video game used to inform decision making about the video game, provided by organizations such as professional associations, video game distributors, or creators.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Transcribe the rating as it appears on the CSI. When the rating is unknown, or the video game existed before current rating system(s), specify “unknown”. Transcribe all information pertaining to the rating starting with the rating organization (such as ESRB) and including the audience (such as “M (Mature 17+)”) as well as any descriptors or explanation included with the rating information (for example “Blood and Gore. Nudity. Violence.”).
    When multiple ratings appear for a single video game, transcribe all of them by repeating the element.
    Note that some older video games do not have this rating information.
    Examples God of war: Ascension: ESRB; M (Mature 17+): Blood and Gore. Intense Violence. Strong Language.
    Definition Still images taken during the gameplay
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the URL for a screenshot that represents the visual experienceof the video game, focusing on the main gameplay. Gameplay screenshots should include the video game’s user interface.
    If more than one user interface is typically encountered by the player(e.g., a combat HUD and an inventory screen), repeat the element for each configuration.
    In order of preference, screenshots should represent the following:
    1. main gameplay, ideally from sequences which represent significant phases of the video game;
    2. title screens;
    3. significant cutscenes;
    4. stills that capture other notable aspects of the work (e.g., “Easter eggs”, unique credits sequences, storytelling “hooks”, well-known graphics glitches, or examples of the overall art/visual style).
    When possible, include subtitles in screenshots.
    Indicate when there is potential spoiling of video games in those images through the Spoiler attribute.
    Attributes Spoiler: Y/N
    Definition Video footage of the gameplay excluding such things as introductions, cutscenes, or trailers.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the URL for a gameplay video as found on the CSI. Include the retrieved date information.
    If possible, provide links to official gameplay videos on YouTube channels, etc. This element provides actual, in-game video information, not trailers or openings of video games.
    Indicate when there is potential spoiling of video games in those videos through the Spoiler attribute.
    Attributes Spoiler: Y/N
    Examples Final Fantasy (www.youtube.com; 2013-10-05; spoiler - Y)
    Definition Information related to the particular version of the video game being catalogued.
    Instructions Enter the version number of the video game being cataloged, if available.
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the local release of the video game edition.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics of the local release of the video game edition, not captured in other fields.
    Definition The manner in which the video game is distributed.
    Marks [R]
    Instructions Record either “physical” or “digital”, whichever represents the method of distribution for the video game.
  • Physical: Distribution package includes physical media, such as games distributed via a cartridge or disc.
  • Digital: Distribution package is digitally downloadable, streaming or somehow accessible without physical media.
    		•
    Definition The file format for digitally distributed video games.
    Marks [R]
    Instructions Record the file format in which the game is distributed.
    This is only applicable to digitally distributed video games. If the video game is physically distributed, record “N/A”.
    Definition Proper names used to refer to a video game, assigned by the creator
    Instructions Record the size of the file, including units (KB, MB, GB).
    This is only applicable to digitally distributed video games. If the video game is physically distributed, record “N/A”
    Definition The distribution medium that provides the executable code of a video game with physical media
    Marks [R]
    Instructions Determine the media format by examining the physical object according to the GAMECIP - Media Formats controlled vocabulary z
    Record the most appropriate format.
    This is only applicable to physically distributed video games. If the video game is digitally distributed, record “N/A”.
    Definition The date of the public/commercial release of the video game.
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Determine the media format by examining the physical object according to the GAMECIP - Determine the release date from the CSI and record it following the ISO 8601 Standard (i.e., YYYY-MM-DD) with the source and the date when this information was acquired. If unknown, record “unknown”.
    Examples Fallout 4: 2015-11-10 (wikipedia.org, 2017-01-05)
    Definition The officially released image that is representative of the video game, prominently featured in a physical or digital distribution package.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the URL for the representative art as found on the CSI. Include the retrieved date information.
    If possible, provide links to official representative art.
    Definition All items included in the original packaging of the video game.
    Instructions Record all physical items included in the distribution package as found on the CSI. Separate items in the list with a semicolon.
    This is only applicable to physically distributed video games. If the video game is digitally distributed, record “N/A”.
    Examples World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor Collector's Edition: Full-color hardcover art book; behind-the-scenes two-disc Blu-ray/DVD set; CD soundtrack; mouse pad
    Definition Digital rights management technologies intended to control the use of the video game.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine if the video game has specific DRM such as download restrictions, use restrictions, requirement of physical discs, persistent online connectivity. If so, record “yes”, if not, record “no”.
    Definition The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) at time of initial release in the region where the video game was released.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at the time of launch as found on the CSI. Record the price with the currency, source, and the date when this information was acquired.
    Examples 59.99 (USD, Amazon.com, 2014-03-25)
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the distribution entity of the video game local release.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics of the distribution entity of the video game local release, not captured in other fields.
    Definition A commonly used name referring to the intellectual property, related data, and content shared among a group of cultural objects to which the video game being described belongs.
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Determine and record the franchise information by consulting the stipulated secondary sources of information.
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the franchise of the video game.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics of the franchise of the video game, not captured in other fields.
    Definition Proper name of a set of related video games, often indicated by consecutive numbering, continuing narrative, or similarities in gameplay and themes, to which multiple video games belong.
    Instructions Record the series title based on the CSI. Series name is often indicated by the title (e.g., Final Fantasy VII; Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) or subtitle (e.g., A Gabriel Knight Mystery).
    Record as many terms as necessary.
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the series of the video game.
    Instructions Record notable or unique characteristics relating to the franchise of the video game, not captured in other fields
    Definition Proper name used to refer to additional content for video games, assigned by the creator
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Record the title of any additional content available for the video game, as indicated by the CSI.
    Record as many terms as necessary
    Definition The type of additional content
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the type of any additional content available for the video game, as indicated by the CSI. Common forms of additional content are
  • DLC: Downloadable content which extends an existing game
    • >
  • Mod: Alterations to existing content
    • >
  • Patch: Software fixes intended to correct bugs or other play issues
    • >
    Definition Any version requirement to play the video game with the additional content.
    Instructions Record any special version requirements unique to playing the video game with the additional content.
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the additional content.
    Instructions Record any notable or unique characteristics relating to the additional content of the video game, not captured in other fields
    Definition Proper name used to refer to the collection of video games, assigned by the creator
    Marks [+]
    Instructions Record the name of the collection titles associated with the video game,as indicated by the CSI.
    Record as many terms as necessary
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the collection the video game is part of, that are not captured in other fields
    Instructions Record any notable or unique characteristics relating to the collection of the video game, not captured in other fields
    Definition An individual, organization, or group of individuals or organizations responsible for creation, realization, manufacture, marketing, and/or distribution of a video game (modified from FRBR23, 2009, p.25)
    Marks [R], [+]
    Instructions Determine the responsible corporate body by consulting the CSI. If available, record the full name of the corporate body. Transcribe the information as it appears in the CSI and denote as [transcribed]. If the corporate body information is not available, record “unknown”. Select and specify the role of the corporate body along with the name of the corporate body: developer, publisher, distributor, licensor, or licensee. When the role of the corporate body is unknown, record “unknown”.
    Note that the distributors may or may not be the same entity as the video game creator(s) or publisher(s). In case of distributor(s), record the name of the distributor(s) who have market rights for the North American region (e.g.: Valve Corporation).
    Examples Never alone – Upper One Games [Developer]; E-Line Media [Publisher]
    Definition Any other notable characteristics of the agent
    Instructions Record any notable or unique characteristics of the agent, not captured in other fields
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