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 edit
The 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 edit
Special 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 edit
The 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.