Images
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See Image uploads for general rules about image uploads on RYM. Below are the rules specific to video games.
Click "Choose file" to locate the file saved to your computer you wish to upload. It is also possible to drag a file into the upload box to upload it instead. You may only upload images of type PNG, GIF, and JPG. After choosing an image, its file name, size and thumbnail preview will be presented, with the rest of the upload form being shown below it.
If your image needs cropping before being uploaded, click "Crop". If you wish to change the image that is going to be uploaded, click "Change file". Click "Cancel" to abort the image uploading process.
See Sources.
You must enter the source of the image here. Select the most appropriate option from the list. After selecting one of them, fill the new info field that appears with info regarding the sources of the image you are uploading. If the source is online, be sure to include the http:// prefix.
Please properly identify any objectionable content in this image so that we can filter it for users who do not wish to see it. Check the appropriate boxes.
The generic Game entry will automatically inherit and display the box art that was uploaded for its primary release. But it is possible to upload images for the generic Game as well, in which case that image will be used instead. This can be done to provide a cleaner and more neutral image for instance (e.g. one that doesn't include any platform specific details in the artwork such as the PS3/XBox 360 banners that appear on releases for those platforms).
This means that the image for the generic game does not need to represent an actual physical copy. It simply needs to be an image that gives a generic representation of that game that contains the logo/title etc. Official websites and digital retailers are usually a good place to find suitable images for this. Try to find one that has similar dimensions to a game box (square or vertical rectangle) because those images look best on the site.
If no such image is available, and the primary release already has a box art image then it isn't necessary to upload an image for the generic Game at all.
Currently a Game can only have one active image at a time, there is no voting mechanism. So if an image has already been uploaded that meets the above criteria there generally is no need to replace it with a different one. Only upload a new image if you have a good reason for doing so (i.e. don't just go replacing images based on personal preference).
The release image must be of the exact version of the release that it's being submitted for. The best way to verify this of course, is to actually own the release in question. Be careful about uploading box art for releases based on internet sources because they often lack the amount of detail needed to verify that the image actually matches with that particular release of the game.
Below is the hierarchy of preferred images for a game release, from most preferred to least. A more preferred image always trumps a less preferred one. Releases can only have one active image at a time, so you should never upload a less preferred image over a more preferred one.
For outer packaging scans remember to crop out the generic case borders from the image, leaving only the game cover itself to be uploaded.
These apply for all built-in games, regardless of the platform:
Note: There are instances where a downloadable game is released in a physical packaging, normally including a code to be redeemed in a digital distribution service available for the platform. For those kind of releases, the rules for Physical releases should be applied, from items 1 to 3, while the least preferred image to be utilized is the promotional image from official game/distributor site.
Here is a list of acceptable image sources (in order of preference) for game releases:
Again, you must ensure that these sources can verify that the image is correct for this specific release or that you can personally verify that it matches if you own a copy of this release (in which case please mention that in the image upload comments to speed up the approval process).
Screenshots have to be uploaded for a specific Release, they cannot be uploaded on the generic Game entry. When you upload a screenshot make sure it matches that release, or that the releases are identical to the point where it doesn't matter.
The rules for screenshots are very simple: you can only upload screenshots that you've taken yourself. Screenshots taken from other websites are not allowed, period.
It's difficult to establish objective rules for this so instead we'll provide some general guidelines for screenshot uploads.
Characters have their own image gallery, so multiple images can be submitted for the same character. Even so, avoid adding a lot of the character images with little variation between them. It is more interesting to have several different renders and designs from the character's history instead of many similar ones.
When choosing an image to upload, it is better to opt for the most neutral one, so anyone who is or not familiar with the character can look at the image and identify what they are seeing, recognizing that specific character's common attributes. Therefore, it is preferable to choose an image showing the entire character as they are normally presented, with no cropped parts and avoiding uncommon faces, clothes and colors. Perspective, pose, framing and clearness are other factors that should be taken into account when selecting a proper character image.
The following options are allowed sources for character images, in no particular order:
The following sources should not be used as character images, under any circumstances:
The images for franchise entries should be their respective logos. It is always preferred to choose an image centralizing the logo with a neutral background. Only official sources are allowed, so unofficial redesigns and fan-art should not be uploaded. Multiple images can be uploaded for franchises, but only upload more than one image when the logos are significantly different.
The logo should always refer to the proper and specific franchise. Do not upload the parent franchise logos for its sub-franchises, and vice-versa. Also, be wary of not uploading game-specific franchise logos (when the franchise logo contains a certain game title incorporated in itself). Only generic, neutral franchise logos should be uploaded. Some franchises have no proper logos, so for those no images should be uploaded, as Glitchwave will automatically select one game cover from the franchise's list as the franchise image.
For companies the same rules as for franchises apply.
See Sources for general info about RYM's sourcing policies.
As always, we value originality over completeness with images. Submitting images from your personal collection is preferred over submitting images taken from other sites. Scans/photographs taken by other users should generally not be replaced with images from the internet (unless the existing image is just outright incorrect).
Other games databases are not allowed as image sources for anything, even if no other sources for an image are available. In that case the image should just be left empty until someone can provide a scan/photograph from their own collection.
Note: it is allowed to use another games database as a source to prove that a particular box cover is correct for a particular release of the game. You just cannot take the actual image from that site and upload it here.
Contents |
Upload form
Choose file
Click "Choose file" to locate the file saved to your computer you wish to upload. It is also possible to drag a file into the upload box to upload it instead. You may only upload images of type PNG, GIF, and JPG. After choosing an image, its file name, size and thumbnail preview will be presented, with the rest of the upload form being shown below it.
If your image needs cropping before being uploaded, click "Crop". If you wish to change the image that is going to be uploaded, click "Change file". Click "Cancel" to abort the image uploading process.
Source
See Sources.
You must enter the source of the image here. Select the most appropriate option from the list. After selecting one of them, fill the new info field that appears with info regarding the sources of the image you are uploading. If the source is online, be sure to include the http:// prefix.
Content flags
Please properly identify any objectionable content in this image so that we can filter it for users who do not wish to see it. Check the appropriate boxes.
Game images
Which image should be uploaded?
The generic Game entry will automatically inherit and display the box art that was uploaded for its primary release. But it is possible to upload images for the generic Game as well, in which case that image will be used instead. This can be done to provide a cleaner and more neutral image for instance (e.g. one that doesn't include any platform specific details in the artwork such as the PS3/XBox 360 banners that appear on releases for those platforms).
This means that the image for the generic game does not need to represent an actual physical copy. It simply needs to be an image that gives a generic representation of that game that contains the logo/title etc. Official websites and digital retailers are usually a good place to find suitable images for this. Try to find one that has similar dimensions to a game box (square or vertical rectangle) because those images look best on the site.
If no such image is available, and the primary release already has a box art image then it isn't necessary to upload an image for the generic Game at all.
Currently a Game can only have one active image at a time, there is no voting mechanism. So if an image has already been uploaded that meets the above criteria there generally is no need to replace it with a different one. Only upload a new image if you have a good reason for doing so (i.e. don't just go replacing images based on personal preference).
Release images
Which image should be uploaded?
The release image must be of the exact version of the release that it's being submitted for. The best way to verify this of course, is to actually own the release in question. Be careful about uploading box art for releases based on internet sources because they often lack the amount of detail needed to verify that the image actually matches with that particular release of the game.
Below is the hierarchy of preferred images for a game release, from most preferred to least. A more preferred image always trumps a less preferred one. Releases can only have one active image at a time, so you should never upload a less preferred image over a more preferred one.
Physical releases
- Scan of outer packaging of the game (physical copy)
- If outer package not available, a scan of inner packaging of the game (e.g. a jewelcase booklet instead of the old-style big PC box)
- If no package available, a scan of the manual (provided it has a cover that would be suitable as a box art image)
- If no package or manual is available at all, a scan or picture of the disc/cartridge/media itself
For outer packaging scans remember to crop out the generic case borders from the image, leaving only the game cover itself to be uploaded.
Built-in releases
These apply for all built-in games, regardless of the platform:
- Dedicated icon, banner, splash screen or similar presentantion image specifically for the built-in game, provided these are existant and suitable as release images
- Screenshot of the game's title screen. In case the game has no title screen or something equivalent, a screenshot from the first in-game neutral screen is acceptable. Note that even is a screenshot is used, it still must uploaded in the "box art" section
Download and browser releases
- Icon art or key art on official game sites or digital distributors (preferably one that is as close to square as possible and contains the game's title)
- Promotional images as found on official game sites, distributors or press release kits (preferably one that is as close to square as possible and contains the game's title)
- Screenshot of the game's title screen. In case the game has no title screen or something equivalent, a screenshot from the first in-game neutral screen is acceptable. Note that even is a screenshot is used, it still must uploaded in the "box art" section
Note: There are instances where a downloadable game is released in a physical packaging, normally including a code to be redeemed in a digital distribution service available for the platform. For those kind of releases, the rules for Physical releases should be applied, from items 1 to 3, while the least preferred image to be utilized is the promotional image from official game/distributor site.
Arcade releases
- Screenshot of the game's title screen. In case the game has no title screen or something equivalent, a screenshot from the first in-game neutral and recognizable screen is acceptable. Note that even is a screenshot is used, it still must uploaded in the "box art" section
- Promotional flyers (front-only)
- Photo of the the official arcade cabinet/machine. The picture should be well framed, portraying the machine against a neutral background in an adequate angle (front or isometric only, top-down allowed for cocktail/table cabinets, back and sideways are not allowed; in a mostly neutral level, not extremely from below nor above). It is better to choose a picture showing the entire or at least most part of the machine/cabinet. Remember that the image should absolutely not contain any extraneous elements other than the arcade machine itself (people, objects, other arcade machines, etc.) Note: Please notice that you should only trump an arcade machine/cabinet image photo if the image you are uploading has a higher quality than the current one. Given that arcade is treated as a generic platform in Glitchwave, multiple official arcade machines could exist for a single game, however only one photo can be uploaded. Do not attempt to replace images just because they portray different models. A photo of the original arcade machines/cabinets is always preferable over their later models.
Acceptable sources
Here is a list of acceptable image sources (in order of preference) for game releases:
- Your own scan/photograph/screenshot
- The official websites of either the game or the developers/publishers
- Platform-specific distribution services (PSN, XBox Live, Steam, Game Jolt, etc.)
- Other websites (Game news and articles websites, etc.)
- Online stores and retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, etc.)
Again, you must ensure that these sources can verify that the image is correct for this specific release or that you can personally verify that it matches if you own a copy of this release (in which case please mention that in the image upload comments to speed up the approval process).
Screenshots
Screenshots have to be uploaded for a specific Release, they cannot be uploaded on the generic Game entry. When you upload a screenshot make sure it matches that release, or that the releases are identical to the point where it doesn't matter.
The rules for screenshots are very simple: you can only upload screenshots that you've taken yourself. Screenshots taken from other websites are not allowed, period.
Guidelines for screenshot uploads
It's difficult to establish objective rules for this so instead we'll provide some general guidelines for screenshot uploads.
- Quality over quantity
Don't upload huge amounts of screenshots for a game. The idea behind screenshots is to give people an impression of what the game looks like. No one is going to browse a screenshot gallery filled with hundreds of images, and it just wastes server resources and moderator time dealing with that many images. If the screenshot gallery already contains a decent cross section of what the game looks like it is not necessary to keep adding any more images. It's not a contest of who can upload the most images.
Also ask yourself, does this image show anything interesting? Is it likely to appeal to someone who hasn't played this game yet? Avoid uploading images that show nothing of particular interest (empty hallways, etc.) - Variety
This somewhat ties into the previous point, but try to keep the screenshot gallery a little varied. Ideally there's a nice cross section of different levels/characters/weapons etc. on display to give people a good indication of what the overall game is like. Avoid uploading too many images of the same location/character/enemy, etc. - No spoilers!
Don't upload screenshots that spoil pivotal parts/plot points of the game for people who haven't played it yet. Use your common sense here. - Avoid glitches/"funny" screenshots
Again, use your common sense here. We don't want the screenshots section for games to turn into a huge list of pictures of weird stuff happening in the game. While glitches and unexpected things happening in a game can be pretty funny, images like that are better shared on the boards than in the screenshot gallery of the game. The screenshots section is not there to make a point out of how broken the game is or to document your personal hijinks.
Upload images like this sparingly, if at all.
Character images
Which image should be uploaded?
Characters have their own image gallery, so multiple images can be submitted for the same character. Even so, avoid adding a lot of the character images with little variation between them. It is more interesting to have several different renders and designs from the character's history instead of many similar ones.
When choosing an image to upload, it is better to opt for the most neutral one, so anyone who is or not familiar with the character can look at the image and identify what they are seeing, recognizing that specific character's common attributes. Therefore, it is preferable to choose an image showing the entire character as they are normally presented, with no cropped parts and avoiding uncommon faces, clothes and colors. Perspective, pose, framing and clearness are other factors that should be taken into account when selecting a proper character image.
Acceptable sources
The following options are allowed sources for character images, in no particular order:
- Official promo images from games, developers and publisher websites
- Games manuals, booklets, and packaging
- Art from officially distributed posters, pamphlets and similar
- Concept art, as long as it is compatible with the final design encountered in the game/film
- Images portraying the character in their original type of media other than games/films (e.g. comics, toys, books, tv series, etc.), as long as the design is similar to the one encountered in games/films
- Game/film screenshots, taken by yourself only, as long as they are properly cropped, framed, neutral and clear enough. Moderators have total autonomy to decide if the image is decent enough to be approved or not
Unacceptable sources
The following sources should not be used as character images, under any circumstances:
- Images containing text, or game/franchise/company logos or other extraneous elements along with the character
- Images containing any other characters besides the one you are uploading images for
- Early/beta designs, or any type of art which does not portray the character in their final design
- Fan-art and other unofficial art for the character
- Redesign not present nor compatible with any official games/films the character is originally from
- Renders and promo art from fangames (unofficial games where the character appears), unless the character is originally from a fangame
Franchise images
The images for franchise entries should be their respective logos. It is always preferred to choose an image centralizing the logo with a neutral background. Only official sources are allowed, so unofficial redesigns and fan-art should not be uploaded. Multiple images can be uploaded for franchises, but only upload more than one image when the logos are significantly different.
The logo should always refer to the proper and specific franchise. Do not upload the parent franchise logos for its sub-franchises, and vice-versa. Also, be wary of not uploading game-specific franchise logos (when the franchise logo contains a certain game title incorporated in itself). Only generic, neutral franchise logos should be uploaded. Some franchises have no proper logos, so for those no images should be uploaded, as Glitchwave will automatically select one game cover from the franchise's list as the franchise image.
Companies images
For companies the same rules as for franchises apply.
Sources
See Sources for general info about RYM's sourcing policies.
As always, we value originality over completeness with images. Submitting images from your personal collection is preferred over submitting images taken from other sites. Scans/photographs taken by other users should generally not be replaced with images from the internet (unless the existing image is just outright incorrect).
Prohibited sources
Other games databases are not allowed as image sources for anything, even if no other sources for an image are available. In that case the image should just be left empty until someone can provide a scan/photograph from their own collection.
Note: it is allowed to use another games database as a source to prove that a particular box cover is correct for a particular release of the game. You just cannot take the actual image from that site and upload it here.