Cataloguing game packaging versions?

[HwitVlf]

I was just wondering if anyone here has ever considered creating/extending a database to catalogue game package contents, manual/cover versions etc? Not for the purpose of replacement documents, but solely to record existing versions.
It's hard to figure out what originally came with a game and it will just get harder as time goes by so I think such a database would be helpful.

[pepsidrinker]

What do you mean like list in the comments this game with a pendant in a pouch like Lunar 2...

I am working on a project right now for scanning package contents to preserve them, it could either turn into a side project or added on to Redump (which I think it should as we are a preservation project) how I envisioned it,  people scan the raw images and if they have the necessary skills with imaging tools clean it up and if it's perfect the hashes are added to the game here in the db and either added to the present dat or have a separate one.

The scanning guide I use is here....

http://www.softpres.org/article:scannin … guidelines

As they say it only needs to be done once if done correctly and we can have different versions just like the games.

http://www.game-rave.com/psx/playstatio … /index.htm

Here is an example of a game being released in different packaging.

Sorry, it's probably off-topic as you don't want it for "replacement documents"

EDIT: By the way, I have some Sega-CD Game cardboard boxes not in the best shape (but not horrible either) if someone with the necessary imaging tools like to fix them up let me know. That's what's slowing the project down, can't get my head wrapped around those programs.

[HwitVlf]

What do you mean like list in the contents this game with a pendant in a pouch like Lunar 2...

Yes, exactly. List the contents and provide scans/pictures that are detailed enough to identify variants, then link the packaging to the dump data for the disks that came in the package.

The purpose being, I see used games sold as 'complete' all the time that are actually missing original contents like maps, registration cards, mini walkthrough books etc. People often have no idea what actually came with games and it gets harder to remember as time goes by.

It could be set up just like dumping: a minimal submission would be a text list of the package contents. A picture or scan of the game's individual parts could be added if the submitter wanted. Once a content list was in the database, people could 'vote' that their copy of the game matched the database's entry, or submit a new variety.

[r09]

I have a list of contents for the games I bought new. It's just for my own reference, but if someone wants to integrate it into a bigger project I'm willing to share it.

[pepsidrinker]

I can totally agree with HwitVlf, especially say long box and jewel case released games we will be able to see if they are the same or if there is differences more easily if it was noted that such and such was long box this one jewel case etc.

But getting perfect scans of both would be even cooler

[HwitVlf]

Yes, good scans would be wonderful; it just takes a lot of effort to get a good scan so people might be less willing/able to contribute. I'd say making scan 'preferences' would be good (resolution alignment etc), but still accept anything that serves the purpose. If anyone ever submits a better scan, just replace the old one.

There are quite a few free photo hosts available (photobucket etc) so it might be doable without increasing the database site's bandwidth.

[pepsidrinker]

Yes, good scans would be wonderful; it just takes a lot of effort to get a good scan so people might be less willing/able to contribute. I'd say making scan 'preferences' would be good (resolution alignment etc), but still accept anything that serves the purpose. If anyone ever submits a better scan, just replace the old one.

There are quite a few free photo hosts available (photobucket etc) so it might be doable without increasing the database site's bandwidth.

I can understand where you are coming from, I conceive its from the same place I am coming from "human nature" but opposite sides. Humans will take the least resistance path that's why we don't have an army of dumpers as people think our way to dump games is "complicated" or "time consuming"  we are the exception because we have the passion in what we do, I also believe it's because we don't have "preferences" with our dumping procedure but strict steps to follow, of course we could have a bigger database if we was loose with our requirements for dumping games but that's not our purpose its to preserve games.

Same as scanning unless we have strict rules to follow we will get the least resistance (shitty scans) and if we accept it what incentive is there for someone to make the perfect scan? If we make the least resistance perfect scans yes scans might trickle in at first but as we grow in more popularity, maybe more acceptance as the raw material becomes more scarce or lower quality (more vandalism on the material, marked, stickered, lost or thrown away, etc.) same as the games themselves (going to a used game store 3 out of 5 games aren't in dumpable condition meaning most likely there will be glitch some where in game) more people will take up the cause.

[HwitVlf]

Good points

[RetroGamer]

That's a good idea but i think that has nothing to do with Redump.org... this site should be only to dump the game discs and nothing more... like no-intro but instead of carts we dump discs

[pepsidrinker]

That's a good idea but i think that has nothing to do with Redump.org... this site should be only to dump the game discs and nothing more... like no-intro but instead of carts we dump discs

May I ask why you think that? I would really like to understand where you are coming from. I must have a misunderstanding of no-intro, I was under the impression they started for the simple reason of removing Scene intros from roms. I know I am just registered over there so I might not have access to everything they do but I was under the impression they find the best roms on the internet and put it in their dats, and when/if a better dump comes a long they would take out the old and put in the new and if I remember correctly one of their High Council even posted in a thread on the old forum, now this isn't verbatim but "When did we get in the business of dumping games". Am I mistaken?

Now on the other hand, as a preservation project if we find out or even suspect a dump is bad we remove it and not just wait till a proper dump comes a long.  As you can't actually claim a game preserved without its supplement information is also preserved (As we are dealing purely with bits of 0 and 1s that would include scans of the supplemented information, cover art, manual, etc.) In the physical realm say the museum of video games wouldn't say we preserved this game when they only had the disc would they? No, unless that's all that remains of that game. 

I think Redump.org is the perfect place for that information, but that is my opinion and really that's all it is. It could also be that I am too idealistic about what we are doing here.