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}}
Syntax (row, unavailable releases)
- A seventh parameter that says just unavailable can be added as well to mark the row as being unavailable for purchase.
{{Availability/row| Name of source | product ID | required DRM | notes | keys (if any) | supported OSes | unavailable }}
Example
- Taken from Prey
| Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail |  |
SecuROM DRM disc check. Install v1.4 Patch to remove disc check. CD keys activate on Steam.[1] | |
|
| Mac App Store | |
No online play (LAN only).[2] | |
|
| Steam (unavailable) | |
Comes fully patched to v1.4 | |
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.
A store row should be set as unavailable (add a new seventh parameter that just says unavailable) and moved to the bottom of the table if the store page of the game has been removed (visiting it redirects to an error or another page) or all purchasing has been disabled. The row is retained for historical references to keep track of things like DRM, supported OS, and other notes pertaining to that particular release. If only DLC is available from a particular store (so the game itself is not purchasable) then set the row to 'unavailable' (and move it to the bottom of the table) with a note explaining that only DLC is available from that store. Do not remove a row entirely if a game has become unavailable.
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 | The systems supported by the store. | 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). |
| State | Currently only supports a single value: unavailable. | Set all rows where purchasing has been disabled as unavailable. |
The Product ID
This is a list of the product ID formats for all the stores an availability row can accept.
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
Battle.net: This version of the game requires the Battle.net service to download the game and/or enable online functionality.
Bethesda.net : This version of the game requires the Bethesda.net Launcher to download the game and/or enable online functionality.
Epic Games Launcher: This version of the game requires the Epic Games Launcher to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
GFWL: This version of the game requires the Games for Windows - LIVE service to run the game and/or enable online functionality.
GOG Galaxy: This version of the game requires the GOG Galaxy service to run the game and/or enable online functionality.
MacApp: This version of the game requires the Mac App Store service to download and run the game.
Microsoft Store: This version of the game requires the Microsoft Store to download the game.
Oculus: This version of the game requires the Oculus Store service to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Origin: This version of the game requires the Origin service to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Rockstar Games Launcher : This version of the game requires the Rockstar Games Launcher to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Steam: This version of the game requires the Steam service to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Twitch: This version of the game requires the Twitch Desktop App to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Ubisoft Connect: This version of the game requires the Ubisoft Connect service to download the game, run it, and/or enable online functionality.
Generic DRM options (DRM column only)
DRM-free: This version of the game has no DRM system included or has been intentionally disabled (legally) by the developers/store.
Account: This version of the game requires the use of a game-specific account not listed in the Store-specific DRM options list to access it.
Activation: This version of the game requires an Internet connection to activate it (normally a one-time activation when launching the game for the first time).
Actlimit: This version of the game can only be installed up to a set amount of PCs or activated a set number of times.
Disc: This version of the game requires the physical CD/DVD to be in the drive while the game is running.
Key: This version of the game requires a unique serial key (located either on the manual or on the game box/case) to be entered in. The key is used either to install the game, or to unlock functionality.
Online: This version of the game requires a constant internet connection to function, even for non-networked components. The game refuses to function otherwise.
Physical: This version of the game requires a code or phrase derived from physical content included with the game (ex. the manual, code wheel). Only found with DOS-era games.
Floppy: This version of the game requires the floppy to be in the drive while the game is running. Only found with DOS-era games.
Dongle: This version of the game requires a physical dongle to be inserted while the game is running. Very rare requirement.
Unknown: The DRM system that is included with this version of the game has not been verified. This is the default value for this field.
Generic key options (Keys column only)
Humble Store: Use this for games that include a Humble Store key.
Download: Use this for games that include a key (or other means of access) for a download not covered by any other option.
Version differences
- Only to be included if multiple editions of the game exist.
- Document the names of and differences between each available editions of the game,
- What content is included/not included? Both in-game and and separate content can be mentioned, such as a soundtrack or physical goods.
Example:
The '''Digital Deluxe''' edition includes the base game and soundtrack.
If there are multiple editions and/or differences to note, then edition names can instead be formatted as subheadings for clarity.
Excample:
====Digital Deluxe Edition==== Includes base game and soundtrack ====Premium Edition==== Includes base game and season pass ====Complete Edition==== Includes base game, season pass and soundtrack
Demo/free trial
- Only to be included if a demo exists.
Name the header either Demo, Free trial, or after the name of the edition, e.g. ===Starter Edition===
- Break down any notable limitations,
- Does it include a time limit or is otherwise limited in some other way?
- Is/was it only available for a limited time?
- Do progress or achievements carry over to the main game?
Use the {{store link}} template when linking to the URL of the demo.
