PCGamingWiki:Editing guide/Availability
The Availability section deals with all the different purchasing options available for a game. It also provides DRM details, version differences, expansion/DLC info, and links to demos (if provided).
Main table
Syntax (base)
{{Availability| --rows go here-- }}
Syntax (row, normal)
- This is the normal format used for the Availability row.
{{Availability/row| Name of source | product ID | required DRM | notes | keys (if any) | supported OSes }}
Syntax (row, special cases)
- This format is for stores that cannot be linked normally due to special URL formatting. It should not be used in any other case.
{{Availability/row|1=Name of source |2=store URL |3=required DRM |4=notes |5=keys (if any)|6=supported OSes}}
Example
- Taken from Mass Effect
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | DRM: SecuROM, three machine limit.[1] A De-Authorization Tool is available. | |||
Origin | ||||
Steam | Steam gives product key which can be activated on Origin |
The main part of the section. The varied nature of availability for each game means that the table cannot be static. As such, each store is sectioned off into its own row (with a base template encapsulating everything). This allows the table to save space by showing only the relevant purchasing options.
Note that for each Availability table, only one "Retail" row is allowed. As mentioned later on, the "Retail" store is just to state that the game was available as a physical item at some point.
Availability row breakdown
Section | Definition | Notes |
---|---|---|
Source name | The name of the source/store. | Only major and trustworthy stores are allowed to be used. A full list of all the options can be found in the template documentation. |
Product ID | The unique ID/URL given by the store to the game. | What to place here varies from store to store. See The Product ID for a list of accepted values. |
DRM used | The Digital Rights Management (DRM) methods employed by the game. | Games requiring a digital distribution service client to run (ex. Steam DRM) will have that service act as the DRM. Separate each method with a comma (,). See the DRM used legend for a list of accepted values. |
Notes | Extra information relating to the particular store (game version provided, unique quirks and issues, etc.) | |
Keys | Any extra keys provided by the store that can be redeemed by another distribution service. | Retail serial keys that can be redeemed on a digital distribution service also count. |
OSes | What systems does the store support. | For games using DOSBox, do not list DOS as an OS unless the store actually offers a DOS download option. Also, for the "Retail" store, list all the OSes the physical copies of the game could run on out of the box (disregarding any constraints with OS-specific copies). |
The Product ID
This is a list of the product ID formats for all the stores an availability row can accept.
- Due to mixed reputation GamersGate should only be listed if they are the only storefront selling a particular title.
DRM used legend
- This legend covers all of the most common values used for the field. See Template:ID for a complete list of potential values.
- Keep in mind that some games might use a combination of DRM systems.
Store-specific DRM options
Generic DRM options (DRM column only)
Generic key options (Keys column only)