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Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Sources

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"Wikipedia:GAMESOURCES" redirects here. For sources on board and table games-related topics, see Wikipedia:WikiProject Board and table games/Sources.

Articles related to video games need reliable sources like any other Wikipedia article—content must be verifiable. Due to the nature of video game journalism, however, editors writing articles within the scope of this project may encounter problems finding or citing sources. This guideline aims to discuss some of the most common problem areas. None of the following directions apply in every single instance so always use reason when citing sources.

Because the fields of video game journalism, research, criticism, and commentary are relatively new compared to similar coverage of traditional media, traditional sources can be somewhat rare. In addition, the simultaneous development and expansion of Internet-based sources alongside the modern video-game scene has led to a much higher degree of exclusive online coverage than is the case with other media. These factors make the determination of reliable video-game sources a complex issue.

To address this problem, this guideline provides a few general rules of thumb and presents the current consensus regarding the reliability and usability of specific video game-related sources. Any questions regarding specific sources not covered in this guideline may be directed to the talk page. Remember to search the talk page archives before starting a new topic. New sources should not be added to this page until the talk page discussion has been archived.

Locating reliable sources

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Shortcut
  • The Internet. One of the first places that many editors look for video game sources is the internet. After using one of several search engines to locate information on a subject, the search results must be scrutinized for reliability. A list of sources that have been identified by the WP:VG community as reliable appears lower in this page at the Sources list. This list is neither complete nor can it be used as definitive proof regarding a listed source's reliability determination, but it provides a good rough guide on which to base the scrutiny of sources for reliability.
  • Custom Google search engine. Tools are available to filter search results to target reliable sources. Editors can use Reliable Sources for Video Games (list), a custom Google search engine focusing on the below-listed reliable sites and filtering out many bad or non-RS sites. A second custom Google search engine, Situational Sources for Video Games, is also available to search for reliable sources on a topic. There is no guarantee a specific source is reliable even if it is listed in the search engine. Forum posts, for example, are usually non-reliable. Also, be sure to take note of the conditions and limitations required for proper use of all sources (as listed in the tables below) before relying on them. The template {{find video game sources}} also includes a link to these custom search engines.
  • The WP:VG Reference Library. The WP:VG reference library can provide access to print-based video game reference material and include indices of covered video games. Editors listed as contacts at the Reference Library have volunteered to make information from these magazines available on request, which can be used to reference claims in articles as well as to verify references and to establish notability. The Wikipedia Library provides a similar function.

Promote broad coverage and reduce POV

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For many of the articles under the aegis of WP:VG, sources are plentiful and easily located. Because not every source needs to be cited, editorial discretion will play a part in the exclusion of redundant and unnecessary sources. A few of the more important considerations when reviewing sources for inclusion are listed here.

  • Negative as well as positive reviews - It is exceptionally rare for a video game to receive universal critical praise or condemnation. For this reason, reasonable efforts should be made to reduce undue bias by presenting both perspectives on the game. For the few cases where reception is universally slanted in one direction (either positive or negative), remember that exceptional claims require exceptional sourcing.
  • Initial as well as modern coverage - As a general rule, reviewers of video games are inextricably tied to their temporal vantage point and because advancements in video game technology increase by leaps and bounds every few years, it is unfair to review a game in light of the game scene 20 years later. Likewise, hindsight can lead to revisionist reviews and nostalgia may lead to unduly positive scores. An effort should be made to include early coverage of games if available in order to maintain a neutral point of view untainted by modern perceptions.
  • Domestic as well as foreign coverage - Because video games are cultural artifacts, when a game comes from X country, then reviews from X country can provide cultural insight that might escape foreign reviewers. Relatedly, when a game depicts Y country or aspects of it, then reviews from Y country can provide reliable, detailed, and direct reaction to the depiction. At the same time, however, when a game comes from Z country, reviews from X and Y countries will help to reduce POV and to provide an international response thereby eliminating systemic cultural biases.
  • Metareviews as well as individual reviews - Although metareviews tend to provide an average and roughly neutral review for games, the specific views of influential and/or well-respected individual reviewers may be of equal importance and should be presented with proper attribution despite the probability of containing a POV-heavy review. Care must be taken to avoid skewing the apparent reception by presenting disproportionate numbers of positive or negative individual reviews.
  • Reviews for multiple different platforms - When video games are released on more than one platform, reviews of all different versions allow readers to gain an insight on the differing perceptions of the game within different gaming subcultures. When games are rereleased or remade for later systems, reviews of all different versions allow readers to grasp the degree to which later ports and remakes were successful in evoking the original. Efforts to report reception in a due manner can often be enhanced by using a prose format to explain why scores on one platform are lower than those of another.

The above considerations should also be taken when seeking out sources to add content such as reception sections to video game articles.

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Print sources can improve coverage dramatically, but are often difficult to locate for video game topics—especially true when searching for sources covering the pre-Internet period (generally prior to 2000) before online sources became as established and reliable as they are in some cases today. Although it is incorrect to uncritically assume reliability for a source simply because it exists or existed in printed form, print sources cost money to produce and are therefore likely to make more of an effort at quality and accuracy than most low-cost fan sites. As the length of time a print source remains in continuous publication increases, the source gains in reputation, goodwill, and brand strength, which tends to indicate that longer-lasting and more-established print sources are more likely to be accurate than brief fly-by-night operations. Internationally registered periodicals (as identified by an ISSN number) are generally preferred over unregistered journals.

While there is no proscription against hard-to-access sources, the fact that print sources are more difficult to verify means that it is often a good idea to include additional web-based reliable sourcing if it is available. Editors adding print-based references should also make an effort to substantiate or at least double-check their claims if they are challenged.

Fansites

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Many video games have sites devoted to them that are not affiliated with the developers or publishers. These fansites enable fans to read about and discuss the game. When checked against Wikipedia guidelines such as WP:Reliable sources#What is a reliable source?, these fansites usually do not qualify as a reliable source. They frequently have little or no editorial oversight, and may be self-published (i.e., the person hosting the website is also the one writing its content). Fact-checking is often of lesser importance than publishing the latest rumours. Quoting the rule of thumb: "...the greater the degree of scrutiny involved in checking facts, analyzing legal issues, and scrutinizing the evidence and arguments of a particular work, the more reliable it is."

Some fansites provide forum excerpts by developers from the game's forums. Favour citing the forum post itself over the fansite's article and commentary about it. When citing a forum post on a fansite's own forum, special scrutiny is advised. Make it clear that it is the post that is cited, not the thread or forum in general. Consider forum posts like journal articles, except that in this case the "journal" is unreliable (see WP:SPS), but the "article" may be, because of its author. Use real names over forum nicknames where the real name is available.

Tools: {{cite web}} and {{citation}}

Video games

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In articles about video games, citing the game itself is often attractive. Wikipedia favours secondary sources, and the use of primary sources should be minimised. Games are primary sources in articles about themselves. Whether it is good to use them as a source varies by perspective, subject and game. For a reader, it is usually very hard to use a video game to check facts. Provide transcripts wherever possible, and enable readers to check the facts themselves by noting which area, level or episode is cited. Using the later levels of games with a linear level progression as sources (without transcripts) should be avoided. The same applies to bonus levels or easter eggs.

It is very hard to find proper sources for sections about the plot or setting of a video game without using the game itself. In many of these sections, the game itself is used as a source, but make sure that it is not the only source. Furthermore, the kind of statements that can be backed up with a reference to the game itself is limited. For example, it is impossible to use the game itself to back up that it "... takes place in a high fantasy setting".

Statements of a technical or critical nature should never contain references to the game itself. Technical details (like the type of texture mapping used) are impossible to discern for the layperson. Using the game itself as a source for critical content is original research. Criticism should not be the editor's own, but for example a reviewer's.

However, instruction booklets, player's guides, and other game-related publications may be cited as normal.

Tools: {{cite video game}} and {{cite AV media}}

Review sites

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The most important sources for most video game articles are the reviews of the game itself.

Aggregate review sites such as Metacritic and GameRankings are useful in the critical reception portion of a video game article, as these list numerous reviews for a game, more than can readily be included in Wikipedia. Aggregate review sites should be handled carefully. Individual reviews should cite their original publication, not the truncated aggregator summary. Because aggregators choose which publications to include in their score, they often include reviews from less reliable sites. Additionally, the score is averaged between reviewers without regard for the different rating systems used.

Aggregated user-submitted content (e.g. "user scores" and "user polls") available on Metacritic, GameRankings, and other aggregators is not considered reliable because it is susceptible to vote-stacking and demographic skew, and because the general public has no proven expertise or credibility in the field. Similarly, sites allowing users to submit content, like Wikipedia itself, are often not independent, and are not reliable because they have not been checked for factual accuracy by an editor. It is also important to make a distinction between review sites and directory listings. The latter often repeat information from press releases and the game's official website, and do not constitute a reliable source for establishing notability. Their use should generally be avoided as well.

The review table template allows for an organized presentation of all relevant review scores. Only include reviews in this table if they are cited within the text.

Retailers

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Retailers are only considered reliable sources for games that have already been released, and even then, only for information regarding release dates and the existence of games on a particular platform. However, other secondary or primary sources should be used if available. Retailers posting future dates for games not yet released raise a red flag as to the legitimacy of the statement, and should not be used unless confirmed by a more reliable source.

Official information

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In video gaming communities, the adjective "official" is often used to describe information released by the game developer. It denotes that the information is definitive, reliable and sometimes important. This is without regard to whether said information is deemed canonical.

Merely being "official" does not guarantee that information is usable under Wikipedia's editorial standards. Information deriving from official sources but published in generally unreliable ones such as blogs, fansites, or forum posts is likely unusable. Much of what is called official often stems from primary sources such as the game itself, which should largely not be used (see above). Additionally, not all reliably sourced official information merits inclusion, and in fact the bulk of the article may be unofficial. An example of this is the release date: when the official date is at 1998 according to accurate but unreliable (by Wikipedia policy standards) information, but a reliable source writes that it is 1999, Wikipedia should include the latter. Even if one has the knowledge of memory or the word of a trustworthy individual, original research is off-limits.

The crux is that "official" is not relevant to Wikipedia standards. In fan communities, all information released by the game developers is official and important. In a Wikipedia article, information released by game developers is no different from any other reliable source; in fact, it may be less reliable under possible interpretations of the policy regarding self-published or primary sources.

Shortcut

Interviews from any source are typically allowed as a "self-published source about self". As long as the interview's authenticity can be reasonably ascertained, we allow the developer's own words as a primary source when the claims are (1) not exceptional, and (2) about the team or individual making the claim. Greater claims require a secondary source with a reputation for editorial quality. Whenever possible, prefer the editorial distance of a reliable, secondary source over a primary source interview.

Sourcing style

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Main pages: MOS:TITLE and MOS:ITALICS

When citing a print magazine, the name of the magazine should be written in italics. Likewise for the video games themselves. The usage of italics for an online source depends on the nature of its content, and is detailed in the Manual of Style. When citing a particular article published by a magazine or website, or when citing a chapter within a video game, the title should be surrounded by quotes. The various citation sub-templates of {{cite}} handle this sort of thing for you automatically.

Reliable sources

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See also: Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games/Reference library

The following is a list of sources that have been established as reliable in the field of video gaming per past consensus. If you know of a source that is not listed and you cannot find any previous discussion regarding a source's reliability, start a discussion on the talk page before adding them below. Remember to examine the limitations listed for each situational source in the tables below. "Media" refers to the publication's principal means of content delivery.

This list is not meant to be exhaustive and only covers works that regularly report on video games and the industry. Sources that otherwise are considered reliable sources in general, such as newspapers like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, magazines like Time and Fortune, and news networks like BBC and CNN, are also reliable for coverage of topics related to video games when they do report on these topics. Video games may also be discussed in peer-reviewed scientific papers; editors should review details of identifying appropriate journals for natural sciences and, if involving human health, accurate information for medical sciences.

Consensus can change, so any sources on this page may be upgraded or downgraded based on further discussion.

General gaming

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Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Ars Technica online 1998– news, reviews Condé Nast G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Blue's News online 1996– UGO Networks G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Den of Geek print & online 2007– news, features, reviews Features other forms of entertainment as well, such as television, film and literature Dennis Publishing, Ltd. & DoG Tech LLC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Digitally Downloaded online 2010– news, reviews Features other forms of entertainment as well, such as anime, manga, literature, film, and gadgets Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
Easy Allies online 2016– features, reviews Formed by the previous staff of GameTrailers Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Edge (UK) print, online 1993– features, news, reviews Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) print, online 1989– console gaming Temporarily ended in 2009 before returning to publication under new management in 2010. Ziff Davis; part of 1UP.com Network (1989-2009); EGM Media, LLC (2010-) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4
Eurogamer online 1999– features, news, reviews Includes their former American branch, USgamer (2013–2020) Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
GameRevolution online 1996– features, news, reviews Site has been cited by numerous scholarly works. AtomicOnline G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
GameSpot online 1996– news, features, reviews Ensure that the content is staff authored, not user generated. Older reviews and reviews by freelancers may look as though they are by "members" and not "staff" - this is misleading, all their main reviews are by staff, user generated content are marked in the URL as "user-reviews". Do not use release dates from their game overview pages, as their database is shared by GameFAQs, which is unreliable. Be careful of older articles: those that were originally published in the 1990s now state incorrect dates of "2000".[a]

Belgium, China, Netherlands, UK, USA.

Fandom G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
GameZone (US, DE) online 1994– features, news, reviews Recommended as an objective and reliable gaming site in books, and referenced for several of its articles in various books and scholarly works. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
GamesRadar+ online 2005– features, news, reviews This became Future Publishing's main web portal in 2015, succeeding https://computerandvideogames.com, https://edge-online.com & https://totalxbox.com Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
GamingBolt online 2009– news Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Gematsu online 2011– news Specializes in Japanese game news. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Hardcore Gaming 101 online 2004– Video game articles Head editor is Gamasutra author Kurt Kalata. Content written by him or Retro Gamer's John Szczepaniak are very reliable. All content is edited by Kalata before publishing, and should be considered acceptable, but take additional care with claims made by other authors and in older articles. HCG101 has been cited by many other reliable sources. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
IGN online 1996– features, news, reviews Shared database with GameSpy. Make sure news items are not user-submitted info or blog postings; blog postings from site staff are most likely acceptable. Articles submitted by N-Sider (such as [1]) should be avoided per this discussion. Be careful of game release dates, especially older titles, as those without an exact date in IGN's database would show up by default as December 31. J2 Global > Ziff Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Polygon online 2012– news, features, reviews Includes The Verge Vox Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Siliconera online 2003– news Specializes in Japanese game news and is considered reliable for news and interviews in this domain. Should be replaced with a higher-quality source where possible. Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Shacknews online 1996– features, news, reviews Full-time staff and editorial processes. about Gamerhub G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
Time Extension online 2022– features, news, reviews Retro gaming. Founded by Damien McFerran and Jack Yarwood, who have written for several other reliable publications. Hookshot Media, in commercial partnership with Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Variety print and online 1998- features, news General entertainment industry magazine. Had a video game section from 2018-2019 with oversight from Brian Crecente. Penske Media Corporation G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
VentureBeat online 2006– features, news, reviews Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
VG247 online 2008– features, news Operated by industry veteran Patrick Garratt in collaboration with Gamer Network. Won best gaming blog at the Games Media Awards 2009. Videogaming247 Ltd. (owned by Garratt), in collaboration with Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Video Games Chronicle online 2019– features, news From former editors of Computer and Video Games 1981 Media Ltd. (editor-owned), in collaboration with Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Wired online 1993– features, news Condé Nast Publications G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Non-English

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Wikipedia makes no restriction on the use of non-English language sources (see WP:NOENG), but editors should take care to verify any translation into English and not simply rely on something like Google Translate, particularly for potentially contentious information.

Name Media Dates Type Language Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
4Gamer.net online 2000– Japanese Aetas G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Comptiq / MeadiaMixx Gaming Magazine print, online 1983– Japanese Older issues deal with computers in general as the magazine transitioned to computer/video gaming. As of September 2003 the print magazine is known as MeadiaMixx Gaming Magazine. Kadokawa Shoten G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Consoles+ print 1991–2012 French Published by the same company that also published Title. Future plc G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Dengeki print, online 2008– Japanese ASCII Media Works G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Den Fami Nico Gamer online Japanese Mare, Inc G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Famitsu print, online 1986– news, reviews, etc. Japanese Includes several spin-off publications dealing with specific platforms. Enterbrain G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
GameBonfire online Chinese In addition to its own editorial, GameBonfire has official licenses to translate articles from Famitsu, Game Informer, and Polygon into Chinese, among other reliable sources. This website has been evaluated by the WPVG on zhwiki and thus is 'presumed' reliable. Tencent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
GameChamp print 1992–2000 news, reviews, etc. Korean Covered console and arcade video gaming in South Korea. Renamed to Game Power in 1998. Has an official online archive. Jeumedia G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Gamekult online 2000– news, reviews, etc. French CUP Interactive G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Gamer News Network online Chinese Chinese language site that partners with 4Gamer. Although it accepts user-submitted articles, these are clearly marked; articles by staff are 'presumed' reliable. This website has been evaluated by the WPVG on zhwiki and thus is 'presumed' reliable. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
GamesMarkt online 2001– Trade news, features, market and industry info German Uses beta.gamesmarkt.de for news. Busch & Glatz G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
GamesWirtschaft online 2016– industry news German Operated by veteran journalist Petra Fröhlich Funfair Media (owned by Fröhlich) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Gamer.nl online 1999– news, reviews, etc. Dutch Reshift Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The Games Machine print, online 1988– news, esports, etc. Italian Formed as an Italian version of the British magazine The Games Machine, which ended production in 1990 Aktia srl G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
HobbyConsolas print, online 1991– news, esports, features Spanish Axel Springer SE G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Impress Watch online Japanese Impress Group G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
IGN China online Chinese Chinese branch of IGN, operated by Tencent. This website has been evaluated by the WPVG on zhwiki and thus is 'presumed' reliable. Tencent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
ITmedia online Japanese ITmedia G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Jeuxvideo.com online 1997– news, reviews, etc. French Webedia G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
LeveL print, online 1995– Czech Also had editions in Turkey and Romania which no longer exist. Vogel Publishing (1995–2013); Naked Dog (2013–) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Media Create print, online rankings, analysis, trends, etc. Japanese When citing their ranking page Archived 2019-02-08 at the Wayback Machine use Webcitation or another instant archiving resource as their pages change weekly and are not archived.
Some of their older English and Japanese pages are archived. 		Media Create Co. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Micromanía print, online 1985–2024 Spanish HobbyPress (1985–1998); Axel Springer AG (1998–2012); BlueOcean Publishing (2012–2024) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Net Power Zine print 1999–2006 news, reviews, etc. Korean Spin-off magazine from PC Power Zine. Covered online gaming. Has an official online archive. Jeumedia G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
PC Power Zine print 1995–2005 news, reviews, etc. Korean Covered PC gaming; has a greater focus on South Korean gaming than GameChamp. Was known as PC Champ from 1995 to 1998. Has an official online archive. Jeumedia G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Power Unlimited print, online 1993– Dutch Reshift Digital G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
SKOAR! print, online 2003– Hindi Spinoff from technology magazine, Digit. 9.9 Mediaworx G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Strana Igr print, online 1996–2013 Russian Gameland G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Super GamePower print 1994–2009 Brazilian Portuguese IDG G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Ultra Console Game print, online Chinese This magazine has been evaluated by the WPVG on zhwiki and thus is 'presumed' reliable. Also consider other defunct Chinese language magazines including "家用电脑与游戏" Play, "电子游戏软件" lit. Video Game Software, "大众软件" lit. The Masses Software, and "软件与光盘" lit. Software and Disc. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1

Games industry-related/academic/other

[edit]
Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
GfK Chart-Track online 1996– Monitors sales of software for the UK, Ireland and Denmark. Controlled by research institute GfK.[2] [3] G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
ELSPA online Sales and ratings organization for Europe. Includes Famitsu (Japan) sales, ranging from 2005 to 2008.[4] Full name Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Gamasutra / Game Developer online 1997– Focus on video game development, for video game developers. Rebranded from Gamasutra to Game Developer on August 26, 2021.[5] Content published on the site prior to that date should be considered published by "Gamasutra", and content after that date to "Game Developer". Informa; sister publication to Game Developer magazine G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
GamesIndustry.biz online News, features, market and industry info Sister site of Eurogamer. Infrequently runs "Sponsored" articles denoted in the byline (example) which should be used with caution. Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Game Studies online 2001– peer-reviewed, scholarly journal Has a board of reviewers from academic institutes, a team of editors, and is listed on the Directory of Open Access Journals. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Games and Culture: A Journal of Interactive Media online 2006– peer-reviewed, scholarly journal Has a editorial board from academic institutes, is indexed in multiple scholarly abstracting and indexing databases with a 2022 impact factor of 2.180. Only some articles are open access. SAGE Publishing
MCV/Develop print, online 1998– Industry news, for industry insiders Formerly known as MCV. Develop and Esports Pro articles were merged into this magazine in 2018. Biz Media (Datateam) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
The MagicBox online Translates industry news and sales figures, notably Famitsu and Media Create Also combines sales figures from sources for yearly figures (nothing we can't do per WP:CALC) WP:RS/N Independent 1, 2, 3, 4
People Make Games online 2018– investigative journalism YouTube channel about video game developers Special care is needed for WP:BLP-related material for concerns of lack of clear editorial policy and that they are WP:EXPERTSPS. 1
ROMchip: A Journal of Game Histories online 2019– peer-reviewed, scholarly journal Has a core editorial team and editorial (peer review) board from academic institutes. Open access under a CC BY-NC-ND license. Currently funded by New York University via the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU Steinhardt

Platform-specific

[edit]
Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Amiga Magazine Rack print, online Amiga Use {{Cite magazine}} when citing anything from a magazine page and do not directly link the site with the url parameter. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
GameStar (DE, HU, CZ, IT, CN, PL, US) print. online 1997– PC Sister magazine of GamePro. Not to be confused with the short-lived Australian magazine of the same name (1994–95). IDG Entertainment G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Killer List of Videogames online 1991– Arcade Has been cited and mentioned in several publications: magazines, websites, and books International Arcade Museum G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
NF Magazine online 2013– Nintendo Also known as Nintendo Force NF Publishing, LLC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Nintendo Life online 2006– Nintendo Director Damien McFerran has also written for Eurogamer, Retro Gamer, and Games TM. NLife Media, part of Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Nintendo World Report online 1999– Nintendo Formerly known as PlanetN2000 and Planet GameCube Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine print 1997–2007 PlayStation Ziff Davis Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM)/Playstation Magazine (PSM)/PlayStation: The Official Magazine (PTOM) (Norway, UK, USA) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
PC Gamer (UK, US) print, online 1993– PC Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
PCGamesN online 2012– PC Network N G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
PC PowerPlay (AU) print 1996– PC Not to be confused with the short-lived German magazine of the same name Next Media Pty Ltd G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
PlayStation Official Magazine – UK print 2006–2021 PlayStation Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM)/Playstation Magazine (PSM)/PlayStation: The Official Magazine (PTOM) (Norway, UK, USA) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Pocket Gamer print, online 2006– Mobile Not to be confused with the 2000, short-lived Pocket Gamer magazine by Imagine Media Steel Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
Pure Xbox online 2010–2016 / 2020– Xbox NLife Media, a part of Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Push Square online 2009– PlayStation NLife Media, a part of Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Rock Paper Shotgun online 2007– PC Acquired by Gamer Network in 2017 Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Sega Saturn Magazine print 1994–1998 Sega Saturn Successor to Sega Magazine, 1 EMAP G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
TouchArcade online 2008–2024 Mobile Content is no longer being published on the site as of September 2024, though the site's podcast will remain active. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
UploadVR online 2014– VR G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1

Genre-specific

[edit]
Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Adventure Gamers online 1998– Adventure games Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Bloody Disgusting online 2001– Horror games Cited in numerous reliable gaming sources including IGN, GamesRadar+, Polygon, and The A.V. Club. Cinedigm G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Just Adventure online 1997–2019 Adventure games (mostly) The site and its staff have been cited in numerous publications and have been the subject of multiple interviews by online gaming news sites with several of its members receiving prestigious awards for their work. (See 1) Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
RPGamer online 1995– Role-playing games CraveOnline Gaming G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8
RPGFan online 1999– Role-playing games Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
RPG Site online 2006– Role-playing games MIST Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Wargamer online 1995– Wargames (strategy and tactics) Staffed by experts on war-related and editorial fields,[6] [7] and received several accolades from established sites.[8] [9] Network N G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1

General computing/technology

[edit]
Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Abacus online 2018– features, news, reviews English-language website that focuses on gaming, technology, and other general consumer news from China South China Morning Post G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Engadget online 2004– features, news All former Joystiq content is located here. Yahoo! G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
MacLife / MacAddict (US) print 1996– Macintosh Formerly a part of CD-ROM Today, along with boot (now Maximum PC). Future US G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Macworld (US, CA, AU) print 1984–2014 Macintosh International Data Group; formerly in partnership with Ziff-Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
Maximum PC / boot (US) print 1996– Windows Formerly a part of CD-ROM Today, along with MacAddict (now Mac|Life). Future US G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
PC Format (UK) print 1991– Windows Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
TechRadar online Multi-platform Future plc G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2

Esports

[edit]
Name Media Dates Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Dot Esports online 2013– Was previously part of The Daily Dot before being sold off to Gamurs. Note: This source may not meet the quality required for Featured Articles. Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1 2
Esports Insider online 2016– Business-focused esports news website. Also runs a print and digital magazine, The Esports Journal, in partnership with Latam Media Group. SBC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
The Esports Observer online 2015– In addition to general esports reporting, they also produce and organize conferences, as well as publish analytics and data. Integrated into Sports Business Journal's website in 2021. Advance Publications G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Heroes Never Die online 2017–2019 Overwatch esport news, published by Polygon. Now offline, with all content moved to the main Polygon website. Vox Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
4
Inven Global online 2015– Asian-focused esports news, features, and interviews Inven Communications G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Metabomb online 2015– General esport news Gamer Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Red Bull online Formerly Red Bull Games, features of the subsite began being published under the main site in 2018 Red Bull G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
The Flying Courier online 2017–2018 Dota 2 esport news, published by Polygon Vox Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
4
The Rift Herald online 2017–2020 League of Legends esport news, published by Polygon Vox Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
4
Upcomer online 2021– General esport news Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2

Aggregate sites

[edit]

Aggregate sites take scores from various publications and provide an aggregated value, which may be weighted based on various internal criteria. Only use aggregators for aggregate scores; scores from individual reliable publications should be retrieved directly from the publication.

Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Metacritic online 1999– Aggregate review scores Weights the scores of publications "based on their quality and overall stature." ([10]). Do not use their release dates, as their database is shared by GameFAQs, which is unreliable. Fandom G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
OpenCritic online 2015– Aggregate review scores OpenCritic provides two metrics of review aggregation: "Top Critic Average", an average score similar to Metacritic's Metascores, and "Critics Recommend", a percentage of positive reviews similar to Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Top Critic Averages should only be used if a Metascore does not exist since it is usually too similar to add anything, but Critics Recommend can be used alongside Metacritic as it is a distinct form of measurement that serves a different purpose. OpenCritic.com, LLC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Primary/affiliate sources

[edit]

Sources are often direct from gaming companies or have close ties to them. Generally very reliable for the facts but should be avoided for opinions, and do not establish notability.

Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Major League Gaming (MLG) online 2002– Primary site for Major League Gaming, an esports organizer As a primary source this can be used to verify contest results and other information directly related to MLG, but cannot be used to establish notability. Activision Blizzard G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Major Nelson's Blog online blog, news Xbox-centric news, announcements, videos, and podcasts Self-published by Larry Hryb in a semi-professional manner. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
PlayStation Blog online (US/EU) 2007– blog Official PlayStation blog featuring announcement, interviews and preview posts from first- and third-party developers Sony Interactive Entertainment G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Prima Games online, print 1990– strategy guide Officially-sanctioned strategy guides. Prima published physical guides until 2019, when it transitioned to online-only. Some guides contain commentary from and interviews with game developers. Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1

Defunct

[edit]

While these sites are defunct, with content either merged into other sites or otherwise lost, they can still appear in web searches, and if you can find a link, you can use Archive.org's Wayback Machine to see if a copy exists there. The content of these are still considered reliable.

Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
1Up.com online 2003–2013 features, news, reviews Formerly EGM online site, merged with UGO in 2009.[11] UGO Networks G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Absolute Games (RU) online RU G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
AllGame online 1998–2014 credits, summaries, synopses An extension of AllMusic by the same company for video games. There is a consensus that AllGame is usable for reviews, with attribution. However, some editors question the accuracy of its raw database for facts such as genre and credits, and recommend more reliable sources when available. Only games with full prose reviews count towards notability, and raw database listings do not. All Media Network (formerly Macrovision) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Andriasang online 2008–2012 features, news Focused on the Japanese video games industry, contains weekly updates from Famitsu, Dengeki, Jump and other Japanese Magazines. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
CVG Presents / Computer and Video Games (UK) print 1981–2004 / 2008–2009 Multi-platform The print version of this magazine was suspended for a while and reappeared in a bi-monthly form (CVG Presents) focusing each issue on the life history of a single games franchise. Ceased publication sometime during 2009. Website is a separate entity and unaffected by changes.
CVG (1981–2004), CVG Presents (2008–2009) 		EMAP, Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4
ComputerAndVideoGames.com (UK) online 1999–2015 Multi-platform Website version of Computer and Video Games that lasted for several years after the magazine. EMAP, Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
Computer Games Magazine / Computer Games Strategy Plus / Strategy Plus (US) print 1988–2007 Multi-platform Currently in hiatus. May make a reappearance at some time in the future. theGlobe.com G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
Computer Gaming World / Games for Windows (US, CA) print 1981–2006 / 2006–2008 PC games, later Windows games Ziff-Davis, later in partnership with Microsoft. Staff integrated into 1UP.com. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Cybersport online 2017–2018 esports Closed in November 2018. ESforce Holding G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Develop (UK) online ?–2018 Developer news, opinions, analysis, etc. Merged into MCV in January 2018. NewBay Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
EGM2 / Expert Gamer / GameNOW (US) print 1994–1998 / 1998–2001 / 2001–2004 Tips, tricks, and guides Affiliated with Electronic Gaming Monthly. Sendai Publishing, Ziff-Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
FiringSquad online 1998–2013 Started by Dennis Fong aka "Thresh". The site's various articles have been cited in many publications and scholarly works. Passed FAC for Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Midtown Madness. FS Media Inc. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
GameDaily online 1995–2011 features, news, reviews AOL G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
GameFan / Diehard GameFan Magazine (US, CA) print 1992–2000 Imports and anime. DieHard Gamers Club, Metropolis Media, Shinno Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
Game Informer print, online 1991–2024 features, news, reviews GameStop G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Gameplanet online 2000–2020 features, news, reviews G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
GamePro (US) print, online 1989–2011 console gaming Sister magazine to GameStar. IDG Entertainment G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
GameRankings online 1999–2019 Aggregate review scores Only counts sites which produce a stipulated minimum volume of output ([12]). Do not use their release dates, as their database is shared by GameFAQs, which is unreliable. CBS Corporation > CBS Interactive G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
GameTrailers online 2002–2016 hosting, reviews, video news Make sure that you are not sourcing fanmade material. Previously owned by Viacom. Content is now hosted on an official "GameTrailers" Youtube channel. Defy Media, archives hosted by IGN from May 2016 onward. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
GamerBytes online 2006–2011 Gaming commentary for online marketplace games Covers online marketplace games such as WiiWare, Xbox Live Arcade, and PlayStation Network. Merged into Gamasutra. (See 1) Gamasutra G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
GamesMaster (UK, PH) print 1993–2018 features, news, reviews Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
GameSetWatch online ?–2011 Gaming commentary Material is generally stuff that has already been published at Gamasutra but will often contain features that are published on its site before it reaches Gamasutra. (See 1) Sister site of Gamasutra, Think Services G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
GameSpy online 1996–2013 features, news, reviews Shared database with IGN. IGN G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
GamesTM print 2002–2018 news, reviews, features UK print magazine. USA, DE, NL and BE versions available. Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
Glixel online 2017-2018 features, news Rolling Stone video game spin-off, had editorial oversight by Brian Crecente. Penske Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
Good Game online 2006–2016 Australian television show that reviewed video games. Australian Broadcasting Corporation G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
HookShot Inc. online ?–2013 Downloadable games under $15 Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
IndustryGamers online 2010–2012 features, news, reviews Acquired by Gamesindustry.biz Independently owned G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Inside Mac Games online 1993– Mac-focused gaming Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Joystiq online 2004–2015 multi-author blog AOL property with salaried staff. GameDaily was merged with Joystiq following the former's closure. Closed in 2015, a cut down version was merged into Engadget. AOL > Weblogs, Inc. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Kill Screen print, online 2009–2017 features, news, reviews Scores from reviews not recommended to use. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
MMO Games Magazine / Massive Magazine (US) print 2006–2007 MMO gaming Sister publication to Computer Games Magazine. Theglobe.com G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Music4Games online 1999–2009 Focus on video game music, music industry, etc. Established editorial policies, major supporter/media partner of GDC and trade shows. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
New Age Gaming (SA) print 1998–2015 Games Initially a print magazine, it ceased publication in 2015, but the website stayed online under IGN. IGN Africa G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Next Generation (UK) print 1995–2002 Games, games industry. Affiliated with Edge. Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4
NGC Magazine / N64 Magazine (UK) print 1997–2001 / 2001–2006 Nintendo 64, GameCube Successor to Super Play. Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2
NGamer / Nintendo Gamer (UK) print 2006–2012 Nintendo Successor to NGC Magazine. Formally known as NGamer. Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Nintendo Power (US) print 1988–2012 Nintendo Published by Nintendo before 2007. Future US G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK) print 1999–2001 Sega Dreamcast Dennis Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Official Dreamcast Magazine (US) print 1999–2001 Sega Dreamcast Imagine Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Official Xbox Magazine (US, UK) print 2001–2020 Xbox Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
PALGN online 2003–2014 news and reviews Aka PAL Gaming Network Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
PC Zone (UK) print 1993–2010 PC gaming Charlie Brooker and Stuart Campbell have previously written for the magazine. Originally published by Dennis Publishing. Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Penny Arcade Report online 2012–2013 news, features, reviews Full-time staff and editorial processes. about Penny Arcade G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Play (US) print, online 2001–2010 Multi-format games magazine founded and edited by Dave Halverson, formerly of GameFan. Not to be confused with Play (UK), a PlayStation magazine Fusion Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
RPG Vault online 1996–2009 Role-playing games J2 Global > Ziff Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Slide to Play online –2017 iOS gaming site Targets iOS games Independent 1
Sports Gaming Network online ?–2006 Sports games. The site has been cited in several publications and scholarly works. (See 1) G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Strategy Gaming Online online ?–2011 Strategy games Defunct UGO Network G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Stratos Group online ?–2017 Acknowledged industry experts. (See 1) Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Technology Tell online features, news, reviews Formerly Gamer Tell. Hasn't updated since 2016. NAPCO Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
UGO online 1997–2013 features, news Operate a host of related networked gaming sites. Hearst Corporation G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Voodoo Extreme online ?–2003 Aka VE3D J2 Global > Ziff Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
WorldsInMotion online (archived) 2007–2012 Merged with Gamasutra as of 2012. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
X-Play (US) television, online 1998–2013 features, news, reviews G4 G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Amiga Power (UK) print 1991–1996 Amiga Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Amstrad Action (UK) print 1985–1995 Amstrad CPC Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Crash (UK) print 1984–1992 ZX Spectrum Newsfield Publications Ltd G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Dragon (US) print 1976–1997 ZX Spectrum (See 1) TSR / WotC / Paizo G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3
Game Developer (US) print 1994–2013 Focus on video game development CMP Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Gamest (JP) print 1983-1999 news, interviews, awards Japanese arcade game magazine. Went defunct in 1999 after the sudden bankruptcy of its publisher. Shinseisha G·N·B·S·RS·Talk1
Mean Machines (UK) print 1990–1992 Multi-platform Offshoot of Computer and Video Games EMAP G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3
MEGA (UK) print 1992–1995 Sega Mega Drive Future Publishing, Maverick Magazines G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) print, limited online 1992–2014 Nintendo Also known as Nintendo Official Magazine (NOM) and Nintendo Magazine System (NMS). The magazine was relaunched with a new first issue after Future plc obtained the publishing rights in 2006. EMAP, Future plc G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
Play Time (DE) print 1991–1995 Multi-platform G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Sinclair User (UK) print 1982–1993 ZX Spectrum EMAP G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
Super Play (UK) print 1992–1996 Super Nintendo Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1
TeamXbox online (archived) 2000–2012 Xbox, Xbox 360 J2 Global > Ziff Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Your Spectrum/Your Sinclair (UK) print 1984–1993 ZX Spectrum Dennis Publishing, Future Publishing G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1

Other reliable

[edit]

Situational sources

[edit]

These sources have been deemed "situational". See individual notes for use circumstances; use them with caution, generally.

Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
148Apps online 2008– news, features, reviews, apps Steel Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
CG Magazine print, online 2010– features, news, reviews Reliable as of March 2024 discussion, but earlier issues with user-submitted content and editorial policies circa 2014 were noted. Use caution with older content. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
CNET online 1994– features, news, reviews Includes CNET Gamecenter. Do not use information from CNET's product pages. Content post-November 2022 may be written by AI or unduly influenced by advertising, and should be used with care. Pre-November 2022 content is generally reliable. Ziff Davis G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Cubed3 online 2003– news, features, reviews G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Destructoid online 2006– Multi-author blog site, "community blogging" Like other blog sites, some content may be reliable, but only if the author can be established as such. Community user-blogs fail WP:USERG. Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Dexerto online 2015– Features, news Dexerto is a tabloid publication that rarely engages in serious journalism; while it may be used as a source on a case by case basis (with some editors arguing for the reliability of its esports coverage), it is usually better to find an alternative source, and it is rarely suitable for use on BLPs or to establish notability. Also includes CharlieIntel. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Dotdash Meredith (formerly About.com) online Archived 2017-09-05 at the Wayback Machine 1997–2017 (As About.com), 2017–2021 (as Dotdash), 2021– (as Dotdash Meredith) encyclopedia When using archived versions of about.com: This site should generally be used for its sources rather than for its content. Use of this site's content is restricted to signed post-2005 content depending on the reliability of the individual author, and specifically barring its use for fringe theories and BLPs. Articles sourced to Wikipedia are also to be excluded. IAC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
The Escapist online 2005– Features, news, reviews Formerly Escapist Magazine. Between October 2017 and July 2018, most content (except for Zero Punctuation) was written by volunteers without staff oversight and should be handled with care Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Forbes online, print 1917– News magazine, "contributor" content Forbes publishes content from salaried Forbes staff, and a vetted community of non-salaried Forbes contributors (indicated by "Contributor" in the author's by-line). Articles written by Forbes staff are reliable. Articles written by Forbes contributors do not have the same editorial oversight and may not be reliable. Editors are encouraged to find alternatives to contributor pieces. Forbes G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Games That Weren't online 1993- Focus on cancelled video games and video game preservation Considered reliable for information on cancelled video games and topics related to game preservation. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Gaming Age online news, features, reviews G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Giant Bomb online 2008– news, features, reviews, wiki Reliable for reviews and news content submitted in the site's blog by the site's editorial staff. Do not use the user-contributed content from the site's wikis for citations. Do not use their release dates, as their database is shared by GameFAQs, which is unreliable. Fandom, Inc. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The Jimquisition online 2014– blog Use should be restricted to opinions only. Editorial policy/team not present. Sole operation by James Stephanie Sterling. This site cannot be used to demonstrate notability. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Kotaku online 2004– features, news, reviews, blog News posts from Kotaku between 2010 and 2022 are considered reliable, although editors are cautioned of blog/geeky posts that have little news or reporting significance (such as [13]). Articles published before 2010 had comparatively weaker editorial standards, while articles published from 2023 onward should generally be avoided due to content farming concerns and unmarked AI-written content. It should be noted that this is not a definitive cut-off—editorial deterioration is gradual, and editors have noted instances of low-quality reporting in preceding years—so articles should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. G/O Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The Mary Sue online 2011– news, features, reviews Blog and original reporting focusing on women in "geek culture". Original reporting is reliable and original blogging may be appropriate for editorial/opinions, but reblogged content is not. Gamurs G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Sega-16 online 2003– Sega "historical research center" Articles by Ken Horowitz and developer interviews are considered reliable. The rest of the content is volunteer-contributed and should be avoided. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Shmuplations online 2012– Interview translations Shmuplations is a website containing translations of old interviews with Japanese game developers. It is particularly useful for finding interviews that cannot be found anywhere on the internet, and the translations are accurate. However, if the original source can be located, it is preferred to cite that instead of Shmuplations. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
Softpedia online 2001– news, features, reviews SoftNews NET SRL G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Twin Galaxies online 1981– news TG is one of the first authorities on video game record-setting (mainly score attack), having endured a hiatus and change of ownership with a new site. For modern records and for speed runs, consider Speed Demos Archive and Guinness. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Video Game Music Online (VGMO) online 2014– Video game music news, composer interviews, game music soundtrack and concert reviews All content by the site staff (except for composer biographies) is considered reliable. Previously operated as Square Enix Music (2007–2014). Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
VideoGamer.com online 2004– Content when owned by pro-gmedia (2004–2017) generally considered reliable. Reliability when owned by Resero Network (2017–2022) not established. Considered unreliable since purchase by BGFG (2022 onwards) as site looks to be low-quality content mill using AI/translation tools with little editorial oversight. BGFG G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1,2
YouTube online 2005– Video hosting site User-generated content, so normally most content is inappropriate as a reliable source per WP:SELFPUB as well as often issues with copyright concerns. However, videos that are posted by sources who are confirmed as a reliable source listed on this page (such as IGN or Eurogamer), or as a reliable source in general for Wikipedia (such as CNN and BBC) are considered to be appropriate sources that can be used. Game developers' YouTube channels, such as Jon Burton ([14]) and Masahiro Sakurai ([15]), may be used as long as use aligns with Wikipedia's policy on primary sources. See {{cite video}} for appropriate citation templating. Google G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3

Valnet

[edit]
Shortcut

Valnet-owned properties, in particular, have repeatedly been discussed and found to be of questionable reliability. In particular, by mid-2023 several publications were said to have seen staff layoffs and expansion of AI content. In general, these sites should not be used to demonstrate notability due to concerns over their content farming. This includes churnalism, articles that are strictly character plot synopses, and regurgitation of statements from social media outlets such as Reddit. However, opinions presented in editorials or list entries that satisfy WP:SIGCOV may be used sparingly to augment reception where notability has been established by stronger sources.

Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Status Quick links &
discussions
Android Police online news, features Unreliable G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
CBR online news, features CBR (formerly Comic Book Resources) is seen as having been reliable pre-Valnet purchase in 2016. Content after 2016 is seen as generally unreliable. Situational G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
DualShockers online 2009– news, features, reviews Considered unreliable prior to 2022 discussion. Current consensus is that it is not a high quality source. Some content may be user-generated (similarly to Forbes contributors). Other content may be usable, but the source should be replaced when possible. Should be entirely excluded from BLP pages. Situational G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
Game Rant online news, features Consensus is that it is not a high quality source, to be treated with caution and excluded from BLP pages. Topics of low potential for controversy such as general pop culture topics or game information are allowable areas. Sometimes erroneously spelled "Gamerant". Situational G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Hardcore Gamer print, online news, features Owned by DoubleJump Publishing before May 2023. Reliable G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
MakeUseOf online news, features Called out as unreliable in the Screen Rant RFC, but a later discussion was inconclusive. Unreliable G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Screen Rant online 2003– news, features, reviews Considered "marginally reliable" per 2021 RfC on WP:RSP. May be inappropriate to cite for controversial statements in BLP pages, but source is deemed reliable enough for other uses. Sometimes spelled as "Screenrant". Situational G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4
TheGamer online 2017– news, reviews, interviews, features News posts and original content after August 2020 are considered generally reliable. Several editorial staff have bylines highlighting their experience working with other reputable video game media outlets such as VG247. Situational G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Defunct

[edit]
Name Media Dates Type Notes and limitations Owner Quick links &
discussions
Yahoo! Voices / Associated Content online (blacklisted) 2005–2014 While content by reliable authors could be published there, it is highly unlikely. (See 1) Yahoo G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
G·N·B·S·RS·Talk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Bitmob online Multi-author blog Content from the site's staff are approved sources given their collective industry experience. Articles where the author is listed as "Community Writer" are not to be used. Bitmob Media G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Crispy Gamer online 2008–2010 Multi-author blog Authorship was composed of several independent games journalist, some with a strong history in gaming journalism, working together as a "Game Trust". Reliability should be based on author. (defunct) Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Deaf Gamers online Video game reviews for the hearing imparied Reliable with regard to accessibility issues related to video games. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3
Jay Is Games online 2003–2016 blog Use of this site should be restricted to casual games and only if the review is written by Jay Bibby. This site cannot be used to demonstrate notability. Independent G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
MTV Multiplayer online news, features, reviews Blog-style game reporting from MTV editors. May need to demonstrate reliability of individual authors. MTV Networks G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
Offworld online –2016 Blog Original incarnation (2008-2009) primarily by Brandon Boyer.
Relaunched in 2015 by Leigh Alexander (Gamasutra, Kotaku) and Laura Hudson (Wired). 		Boing Boing, Happy Mutants LLC G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1
Steam Spy online 2015–2018 video game sales estimates (Steam only) Uses published stats and game ownership information to make educated guesses as to sales numbers on Steam. Should never be used directly to support sales numbers, but may be used if sales estimated by Steam Spy are noted by a third-party. Should never be used if there have been actual sales numbers published by another source (publisher directly, NPD Group, etc.) at some point. Prose analysis of overall purchasing trends in the market based on estimated sales may be usable on case-by-case. Sergey Galyonkin G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2
WomenGamers.com online A blog; use of this site should be carefully considered. Often, it is best to demonstrate the reliability of the individual authors sourced. G·N·B·S·RS·Talk·LS
1, 2

Other situational

[edit]
  • GameCrate 1
  • HonestGamers 1
  • Press Start 1

Unreliable sources

[edit]

These sources are considered unreliable. If found in existing articles, try to replace them with a reliable source from the list above.

  • Abandonia Reloaded 1, 2
  • AceGamez 1, 2
  • ActionTrip 1, 2
  • Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Adrenaline Zone (PCM&E) 1
  • Adventure Classic Gaming 1, 2, 3
  • AFK Gaming 1
  • All In 1
  • AllRPG 1, 2
  • Altered Gamer 1
  • Android Headlines 1
  • Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN, cinemassacre.com) 1, 2, 3
  • AntKids.com 1
  • Arcade History (arcade-history.com) 1, 2
  • Armchair Empire, The 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Armed Gamer 1
  • Attack of the Fanboy 1
  • BBGSite.com 1
  • Blistered Thumbs 1
  • Bonus Stage 1
  • Bounding into Comics 1
  • Brash Games 1
  • browser1.de 1
  • Cheat Code Central 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Cinema Blend (CinemaBlend) 1, 2, 3
  • Console Obsession 1, 2
  • CPU Gamer (2404.org PC Gaming) 1
  • Critical Hit (Lazygamer) 1, 2 3
  • Cultured Vultures 1
  • CVGames 1
  • Darkstation 1
  • DarkZero 1
  • Defunct Games 1, 2, 3
  • DevMaster.net 1
  • Did You Know Gaming? 1
  • Digital Chumps 1
  • Digital Something 1
  • DigitalDreamDoor 1
  • Dorkly 1
  • Droid Gamers 1
  • Dsogaming.com 1
  • Esports Earnings 1, 2
  • Esports Heaven 1
  • EssentiallySports 1
  • EventHubs 1, 2
  • Everything2.com 1
  • Examiner.com 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Frontline Gaming Japan 1
  • galaxy-news.net 1
  • Game Boyz 1
  • Game Chronicles 1
  • Game Classification 1, 2
  • Game Donga 1
  • Game Interface 1
  • Game is Hard
  • Game With 1
  • Game World Observer 1
  • GameBreaker 1
  • Gamecorner.pl 1, 2
  • GameCola 1
  • GameFAQs 1, 2, 3
  • GameGrin 1, 2
  • GamePlasma 1
  • Gameplay (Russia, Poland) 1, 2
  • Gameple 1
  • GamePolitics.com 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Gameranx 1, 2, 3
  • GamerBraves 1
  • GamerInfo.net 1
  • Gamerjive 1
  • Gamers' Temple, The 1, 2, 3
  • GamersHell 1
  • Gamervision 1
  • Games Asylum 1, 2
  • GamesFirst! 1, 2, 3, 4
  • GameSkinny 1
  • Gamester81 1
  • GameToc 1
  • Gaminator (Poland) 1, 2
  • Gaming Nexus 1, 2
  • Gaming on Linux 1
  • Gaming Target 1
  • Gaming Trend 1, 2
  • Gamnesia 1, 2
  • Gaygamer.net 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Gery Gry 1, 2
  • Gildia Gier Komputerowych (Poland) 1, 2
  • Ginx TV 1
  • God Is a Geek 1
  • GoNintendo 1
  • Google 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Gosu Gamers 1, 2
  • Gry Mocny (Poland) 1, 2
  • Gry Onet (Poland) 1, 2
  • Gry PC (Poland) 1, 2
  • Hard Drive 1
  • HiConsumption 1
  • HLTV 1 2 3
  • Home of the Underdogs 1, 2
  • Impulse Gamer 1
  • Indie Game Reviewer 1
  • Inside Gaming Source, The (TIGSource) 1
  • Internet Games Archive 1
  • Internet Movie Database (IMDB) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
  • Just RPG 1, 2, 3
  • KeenGamer 1
  • LADbible Group (LADbible, GAMINGbible, UNILAD, etc.) 1, 2
  • The Loadout 1, 2
  • The Game of Nerds 1
  • Looper / SVG 1, 2
  • Mana Pool 1
  • Media Cows, The 1
  • Melee It on Me 1
  • Metro Gaming 1, 2
  • MMO Hub 1, 2
  • MMOGChart.com 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • MMOHut 1, 2, 3
  • MMORPG.com 1
  • MMOs.com 1
  • MMOsite.com 1, 2
  • Mobile Mode Gaming 1
  • MobyGames 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Mod DB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Multi-Player Online Gaming Directory (MPOGD.com) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • My Nintendo News 1, 2
  • N4G 1, 2, 3
  • NeoGAF 1
  • Neoseeker 1, 2, 3
  • NerdCubed 1
  • Netjak 1, 2
  • Niche Gamer 1, 2, 3, 4
  • NinDB 1
  • Nintenderos 1
  • Nintendo Everything 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Nintendo Insider 1
  • Nintendo-Master 1
  • Nintendo Prime 1
  • Nintendo Soup 1, 2
  • Nintendo Times 1
  • NoisyPixel 1
  • NoobFeed 1
  • N-Sider 1, 2
  • NTSC-uk/Bordersdown 1, 2, 3, 4
  • One Angry Gamer 1
  • Onono 1
  • OnRPG 1
  • OuyaCentral.TV 1
  • Overpowered Noobs 1
  • Ovicio 1
  • Perfectly Nintendo 1
  • Persona Central 1
  • Play This Thing 1, 2
  • Przygodówki (Poland) 1, 2
  • PSPSex.Net 1
  • Pure Nintendo 1, 2
  • Quandary 1
  • Rakrent/RTSC 1
  • Ruliweb 1
  • Screwattack 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Screenage Wasteland 1
  • SegaNerds 1
  • SelectButton 1
  • Serebii 1
  • Shoryuken 1, 2
  • Smashboards 1
  • Sportskeeda 1, 2
  • Statista 1
  • SteamDB 1
  • Suikosource.com 1
  • System 16 1
  • Tacticular Cancer 1
  • Tapscape 1
  • That Guy with the Glasses (TGWTG) 1
  • That Park Place 1
  • That Retro Video Gamer 1
  • TheCuttingRoomFloor (TCRF) 1
  • TheMushroomKingdom 1, 2
  • TheSixthAxis 1, 2, 3
  • TheXboxHub 1, 2
  • TopTenReviews 1, 2, 3, 4
  • TV.com 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • TVTropes 1
  • Two Beard Gaming 1
  • Twinfinite 1, 2, 3, 4
  • TwoDashStash 1
  • Valhalla 1, 2
  • Valkiria - Arena Gier (Poland) 1, 2
  • VGChartz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • VGMdb (user-generated game music database)
  • VGReleases.com 1
  • VGrevolution 1
  • Vicio Juegos 1
  • Video Game Critic, The 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Video Game PriceCharts.com 1
  • Video Games Blogger (videogamesblogger.com) 1
  • Vrutal 1
  • WatchMojo.com 1, 2, 3
  • WCCFTech 1, 2, RSN
  • We Got This Covered 1
  • WhatCulture 1, 2
  • Wikia (FANDOM) 1, 2, 3
  • Wikipedia 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Worth Playing 1, 2
  • XBLA Fans 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Zelda Informer 1, 2
  • ZTGameDomain (ZTGD) 1, 2, 3

Inconclusive discussions

[edit]

These sources have been discussed but no resolution for their reliability is available. They have not been discussed at sufficient length to achieve consensus.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ For example: These are clearly articles from circa 1998 but are now listed with incorrect dates. Review articles are also affected, for example: This review for the game Unreal is dated 2000, but here archived is the same article as seen in 1998.

See also

[edit]
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