Some lists within the scope of WP:VG are bad, some are not. Lists have been subject to considerable controversy, and a lot of them have been deleted. See also: gamecruft, listcruft.
Below is a non-exhaustive list, to be used as a guideline when discussing the validity of a certain list. This applies to both lists within articles, and lists that are their own country. Note that inclusion in this guideline is not the final authority: Wikipedia policy is. This guideline is currently being drafted, and especially the text (as opposed to the actual examples) needs work.
Good lists
editThe following are usually good topics for a list:
- Major characters (List of characters in...)
- Factions in real time strategy games.
- Games by franchise, year, genre, developer, publisher, platform, etc.
- Cast members (non-fictional).
Borderline lists
editSpecial attention should be given to the following topics, which can be good or bad, depending on the context:
- Minor characters.
- Fictional locations.
- Levels, maps or areas.
Bad lists
editThe following are usually bad topics for a list:
- Weapons in first person shooters.
- Items in role playing games.
- Cars in racing games.
- Units in real time strategy games.
Exceptions
edit- Whenever an item, or some items, in a list have been extensively and specifically covered by reliable sources, and it/they cannot be seen without a connection to the other items in the list, a list may be justifiable. For example, when the implementation of a single car in a racing game has been subject to controversy, a list of cars in that particular racing game could perhaps be made.
- Whenever a game differs from the usual standard in using one of the things listed above, the guideline may not apply. For example, an article on a first person shooter with only three weapons, which happen to be the most important plot devices as well, might need a list of them. A list of factions for a real time strategy game with twenty factions may not be appropriate.