IGDB
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This article needs expansion with: Specify how to add games to IGDB and what things like adding the executable name under "alternative title" does, the importance of adding cover art, etc. This is a very placeholder article.. You can help by adding to it. |
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| Type of site | Database |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.igdb.com |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | 2014 |
| Current status | Active |
The Internet Game Database (IGDB) is an online database that features many MANY video games, akin to IMDB for video games. When a game is pulled from a list (Steam, Twich.tv, etc) it is likely that the IGDB is the first place that is queried. Additionally, Discord pulls from here, according to their bio.
Purpose
Twitch creates "categories" (game titles) on its website. When a streamer chooses that they want to stream a game, they are presented with a list of these categories. Thus, these categories are a good way to tell which streamers are playing a specific game.
These are Twitch categories.
Creating A Page on IGDB
You can learn how to add a game to the IGDB here adding a Game or Game Cover Art to Twitch. It is likely the game will be accepted if the contributor includes a link to the platform that the game is hosted on (Itch.io, Steam, etc) and the fields are filled out correctly.
For Streamers
On the Twitch streamer's end, they can choose from a list of video games. The game name will thus appear at the bottom of their stream when they are playing the game. It is, of course, helpful to a developer to have their game listed on IGDB so it can be listed properly on Twitch
On the Twitch streamer's end, they can choose a specific category while playing the game. Usually, this is the game they're playing. Here is what Heart of the Woods looks like when no one is playing it.
Here is what it looks like when that same game is being played by a streamer (under the category view):
Here is what that same streamer looks like under the stream itself:
