Standard Definitions for Tags

[L.E.ot128]

Is there anywhere to see a list of all Tags and their standardized definitions? I have not yet been able to find it, but have been looking for it for years. Would it be possible for Steam to simply publish a list of some of the most commonly used publisher defined tags and their corresponding definitions somewhere (If it doesn't already exist)?

The reason I ask for a standardized set of definitions is that a single tag tends to mean different things to different users and developers. For example, in one discussion thread I learned that "Local Co-op" apparently sometimes means that 2 computers with a Local Area Network connection are required, while other times it simply means you just need 1 computer to play.
Source: https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/7/648814842853378909/

It doesn't appear that I'm the only one with issues on tag definitions, especially when it comes to the various different types of multiplayer tags:
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/10/371918937287853249/
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/358415738188673713/
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/1/558752451506870648/
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/10/412449508292033203/?ctp=2


It could be as simple as a pinned thread on a forum page somewhere that would look something like this (and these provided definitions aren't necessarily standardized, just what I currently think they are at the moment):


******************************************EXAMPLE*************************************************

Single Player - A game played by one person.

Multiplayer- A game played by more than one person.

Online Multiplayer - A multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) using multiple gaming computers or consoles, utilizing the internet as a means of connecting players.

LAN Multiplayer- A multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) using multiple gaming computers or consoles, utilizing a Local Area Network as a means of connecting players.

Local Multiplayer - A multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) using a single computer or console

Split Screen- A local multiplayer game (see Local Multiplayer) where the screen is divided into multiple sections, one for each player.

Shared Screen- A local multiplayer game ( see Local Multiplayer) where all players appear on the same screen.

PVP- Abbreviation for Player Versus Player, a multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) where players compete against one another.

PVE- Abbreviation for Player Versus Environment, a multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) where players compete against computer controlled challenges, not necessarily in a cooperative manner.

Co-op- A multiplayer game (see Multiplayer) in which players cooperate with each other instead of compete against one another.

Online Co-op- A co-op game (see Co-Op) using multiple gaming computers or consoles, utilizing the internet as a means of connecting players

LAN Co--op- A co-op game (see Co-Op) using multiple gaming computers or consoles, utilizing a Local Area Network as a means of connecting players.

Local Co-op- A co-op game (see Co-Op) using a single computer or console.

MMO- Abbreviation for Massively Multiplayer Online Game. An online multiplayer game (online multiplayer), typically featuring hundreds to thousands of players on the same server, often featuring both competitive and cooperative play at different times.

Cross Platform multiplayer- An online multiplayer game (see online multiplayer) that allows players one different platforms, such as PC, Xbox, Playstation, or Nintendo, to play together.


******************************************EXAMPLE*************************************************


Again for emphasis, this list isn't necessarily correct, but just an example of something Steam could do to help connect developers with users. The focus of this thread isn't on these definitions I've provided, but hopes that Steam could publish some sort of standard list in the future.

I understand that creating standardized definitions for could potentially be a lot of work, but it would likely pay for itself in simply helping connect users to the games that they want to pay for, as well as reduce any costs associated with customer service issues that arise from users attempting to return games that they bought under the premise of a definition of one tag, while the developer intended it under the premise of another tag (local Co-op vs. LAN Co-op for example). A fully comprehensive list of definitions may not be necessary either, perhaps just the top 100 most frequently used tags?

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

No game dev or pub can agree on them. A list would not make them agree.

[Crazy Tiger]

How could that even work when users themselves can't agree on tags. You should have seen the discussions about tags like RPG, Roguelike, Simulation and such.

[Start_Running]

You could drop lan from your list entirely OP. There really is no difference between lan and Online. EIther way its IP addresses.

Also as Tiger said... how do you apply any standards to any tag that isn't strictly based around mechanistic elements of the game.. FPS, TPS, Turn-Based, Real-Time, Isometric, Top-Down., etc.

[L.E.ot128]

It's not necessarily about being right or wrong, it's about using a standardized system, like having everyone drive on the same side of the road or using a standardized 18 mm socket wrench. Just like my country chooses to use arcane units of measure instead of an internationally standardized system, for sure some developers will choose not to follow the standard. However, as long as enough people are using the standard. the number of car crashes from driving on the same side of the road is minimized.

Developers and users don't necessarily have to agree or like a standardized definition, but for example using the above example definition for local co-op, if a developer were to use a standardized local co-op, they are telling their customers that they only need one machine to run the game.

That's probably a good point though, Crazy Tiger, to stay away from some of the more subjective tags and focus on tags with more objective characteristics.

[Start_Running]

Originally posted by L.E.ot128:

It's not necessarily about being right or wrong, it's about using a standardized system, like having everyone drive on the same side of the road or using a standardized 18 mm socket wrench.

TThats the sort of thinking that leads to Cucumbers, and tomatoes being called vegetables.

Developers and users don't necessarily have to agree or like a standardized definition, but for example using the above example definition for local co-op, if a developer were to use a standardized local co-op, they are telling their customers that they only need one machine to run the game.

The funnything is those are not subjective matters. Local co-op already has a very specific meaning in a feature list.

That's probably a good point though, Crazy Tiger, to stay away from some of the more subjective tags and focus on tags with more objective characteristics.

TYhe objective characteristics already have their standardized tags.

Never mind the other complication that a game can be an FPS, a TBS, and an RTS at the same time.