Relationships among video games: Existing standards and new definitions

Abstract

This paper identifies and defines common relationships among video games and interactive media in an attempt to improve our understanding of and support conceptual data modeling in this domain. Existing models and standards such as Dublin Core, Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records, Resource Description and Access, CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model, and Cataloging Cultural Objects do offer a variety of relationships between resources; however, many video games are related in more complex ways that cannot be adequately represented by these models and standards, especially in ways that reflect how game players understand games and how cultural heritage institutions might curate them. After thorough review of existing standards, consultation with domain experts, and examination of sample game sets, we identified and defined 11 relationship types and 4 grouping entities prevalent in the video game domain, and offer suggestions on how these might be represented in a conceptual model.

A qualitative investigation of users’ discovery, access, and organization of video games as information objects

“…Relationships among video games and related media are complex and difficult to disentangle [63]. Series, franchise and sequel information were certainly of interest to participants, in some cases because they were already familiar with this information: So the thing I probably look for most would be the franchise, universe and the series … I’m more inclined to buy a sequel than a brand new game .…”

A conceptual model for video games and interactive media

“…() and Lee et al. (). The conceptual model presented here was developed as part of the same research agenda as these studies, using the same research inputs.…”

“…For instance, Super Mario Bros. has spawned not only sequel games but many spin‐offs such as the popular Mario Kart , and cross‐over games such as Super Smash Bros. From these examples we surmise that there are additional relationships between the entities. Surveys and interviews show that relationships like series and universe or franchise are important to gamers when playing games as well as seeking new games to play or purchase (Lee et al., ; Lee et al., ). We are currently in the process of identifying and defining all of the relationships between the various entities within the conceptual model.…”

Reconceptualizing superwork for improved access to popular cultural objects

“…Another challenging task was how to deal with spiritual successors which Lee et al () define as “a video game designed to be similar to existing game [ sic ] while distinguishing itself as a separate IP (intellectual property), often created by the same individual(s)” (p.4) . A good example of this is the video game Dark Souls (FromSoftware, 2011) which is a spiritual successor to an earlier game, Demon's Souls (FromSoftware, 2009).…”