How Do You Keep Track Of Your Games?

[GarrettCRW]

This is probably a borderline topic for the Collector's Database are, but I'll try here first because I'm not sure. :D

Anyways, how does everyone keep track of what games they have, without digging through the proverbial archives? Do you use the DP Guides (of which one is sold out at the moment)? The online guide? Something else? It's partly curiosity on my part, but also because I'd like to know if anyone has ever concocted a program to do just this (and for the Mac OS, too).

[SlayerX]

I use http://users.ign.com/collection/ or whatever the link to it is. It's alright if you don't have all that many games, but I'm sure if you're a hardcore collector, then theres something better out there for you :P

IGN collection page suits me just fine as a gamer, not as a collector.

[Steven]

ahem... I hope I don't step on anybody's toes whatnot with the recent thread but I use www.vgrebirth.org

It's a great way of keeping track of games. I wish it were a little easier to add and remove games however (you have to click on game's bio and then click "own" there should just be a checkmark box to click on)

[tynstar]

I use a Excel spreadsheet I made and the the collection tool over at www.rfgeneration.com

I use to use IGN but my collection page took forever to load and getting a game added to the site took forever if it was ever added at all.

[izret101]

ahem... I hope I don't step on anybody's toes whatnot with the recent thread but I use www.vgrebirth.org

It's a great way of keeping track of games. I wish it were a little easier to add and remove games however (you have to click on game's bio and then click "own" there should just be a checkmark box to click on)

Boooo hissss
lol ;)

But more seriously
I use to use IGN(i still update everynow and then in hopes of winning my top wishlist games, though i think you have to be a much more active member to win), moved onto a personal database, found Collectorz(got in trouble for stealing info and images from sites like MobyGames back when i was using it) and RFGen the same day and used both of those (RFGen is still the only one i use), messed around with the DP one. But it is more for checking out rarity than actually catologing my games here.

I have tried out one on one on i think GameCrazy.com and it sucked too. I used Cart Commander at some point too but stopped shortly after starting.

In short there are ALOT more suck databases on the web than good ones. MANY have good aspects though.

Many of them require too much work and help not enough people(personal ones), others take WAY to long to update info you send(ALL of them i have used except RFGen[because i add the info for the most part]) or just arn't what i am looking for (DP[no offense guys]).

IGN falls into pretty much all of those categories. IMO it is one of the worst i have used.
Just my opinion though. I am sure people will disagree.

EDIT
Hasn't this topic been beat to hell all over these boards?
I swear i have typed this or something similair to it (possibly)hundreds of times on dozens of boards.

[PapaStu]

My primary list is a Excel list that I created for my own dastardly anality when it comes to collecting. I've got an IGN list, which is incomplete due to missing games they've never added and the fact that after 1500 games the edit function that allows me to add more games takes forever to do unless I use a back door, which just makes adding stuff really slow. I started one here on DP but again, going thru and doing all that clicking got really tedious after a while. so it stopped.

[Teknik_SE-R]

thatinkjar uses a archiving program that contains info and a box scan for each game i guess. hopefully he sees this to offically document it in a thread so ppl can see the options.

whan i get out of school i plan on using word and taking pictures/ getting them off the net (for my own purposes). it will have a table of contents, to structure its sections per system then sub structure each system section alphabetically

right now i use the dp list. it wroks very well for an online database, although the mods are a little slow adding new games ( no ofense, I know you guys have lives)
I hope to get some collectors guides too, although I don't think I'll ever mark them up

[Bronty-2]

excel

[Push Upstairs]

a spreadsheet program.

(openoffice)

[GarrettCRW]

Damn, all these answers sound like work.

[tom]

Word

[anagrama]

ahem... I hope I don't step on anybody's toes whatnot with the recent thread but I use www.vgrebirth.org

I wish it were a little easier to add and remove games however (you have to click on game's bio and then click "own" there should just be a checkmark box to click on)

Eh? There are checkboxes next to each title on VGR (as long as you're logged in) :? No need to do it the long way.

[Darth Sensei]

I had a thread about this just last week. :D

After experimenting with everything, it came down to a few choices.

I wasn't happy with the commercial applications like Cart Commander and Game collectorz as they weren't thorough enough and aren't being updated like they should.

I created my own quick database but it became painfully obvious that I didn't want to have to input all the games myself, talk about time consuming. I could've written any front end and reports I wanted that way which appeals to me as a programmer, but in the end I bagged that because of the work factor.

I tried the various online collectors tools and am a recent RFGeneration convert (you can see my budding NES collection there) for their ease of use and willingness to listen to users regarding features that we want, but nobody online has.

Just my 2 cents.

[Darth Sensei]

Oh, and one more thing, if you're doing it yourself and can do it, use Access as opposed to Excel as you can create an easier front end using their forms and create simple easy reports that run instantly. In Excel you are essentially doomed to forever add things manually.

For those already in Excel, if you have your stuff intelligently laid out in Excel you can import them into Access.

[njiska]

I use the Collectorz Game Collector. It's a little price but for any decent collection it's a very useful tool, especially if you need to keep track of loaned copies.

[le geek]

I list my games in a 3 column word doc and tally up totals for each system. For Atari 2600, I divided it out by publisher as well since I have over 200 carts.

Then I put all the systems and their totals into a simple excel spreadsheet to get a grand total.

So when I get a new game or when a get rid of a game, I add or remove it from the word doc, change the subtotal(s) on the word doc, then put those subtotals into excel.

Pretty simple.

Cheers,
Ben

[Hammy]

am i the only person who remembers what i've got in my noggin? the only thing is i can't remember what has manuals etc. so when i get a job lot of games, i check them accross with the older copy to check out condition/manual etc.

[captain nintendo]

Oh, and one more thing, if you're doing it yourself and can do it, use Access as opposed to Excel as you can create an easier front end using their forms and create simple easy reports that run instantly. In Excel you are essentially doomed to forever add things manually.

For those already in Excel, if you have your stuff intelligently laid out in Excel you can import them into Access.

Thanks for the tip Dave.


And I use www.rfgneration as my collection tool because it is easy to use and you can track your carts,boxes and manuals for each game. And even leave a comment about the game.
Like Cuewarrior said, if there are issues or a game that needs to be added, it gets done FAST @_@ Also, any title,scan or information added is credited to the individual user who brought it up.

[izret101]

am i the only person who remembers what i've got in my noggin? the only thing is i can't remember what has manuals etc. so when i get a job lot of games, i check them accross with the older copy to check out condition/manual etc.

Do you have alot of games though?
I am at just under 500 myself.
I know pretty much all the games i have.
I can't recite the titles to you but when i am out buying games i will remember if i own it or not.
Well except 2600 stuff, which i don't buy now anyways.

I can't be bothered with it to be honest.
I got some sorted them and left it in the box they came in.

[s1lence]

I actually use the DP books for all the older stuff. I've thought of making an excel sheet, but I really don't have the time to do it. I also started to use Rfgen so I have a list that is accessable online.

[Trebuken]

You can do some amazing things with Excel if you really get into it. Most people only use about 10% of it's functionality I'd guess.

I do not like putting my list of games online. Why wait for it? I believe Game Collector is the best option though hardly perfect. They are beginning to make some progress again on adding games automatically (it was cooler when AllGameGuide.com allowed them access).

If you only add a couple games at a time (after you've entered your collection) it's great. You'll need to steal cover scans and such from the sites already discussed, but does not take long if you keep up with it. (OK, I'm wayyy behind in updating myself...)

Later,
Trebuken

[Truffle]

Ew, I hate the idea of storing all that info on someones site.
Ive seen alot of data erased over the years, including in DPs database. I loath having to re-input loads of data...

I keep all my games listed in a dayrunner (little office binder)
I find it more enjoyable to write stuff down than type something in/click on a box.

Plus if I die, my family can just look in my easy-to-find dayrunner for a complete index of the contents of my Game Room. :)

[Gapporin]

Damn, all these answers sound like work.

That's why you start cataloging it while your collection is small. :P

For the record, I use Excel with my own template (Title, Box, Manual, Extras, Notes and Rarity).

[GarrettCRW]

Damn, all these answers sound like work.

That's why you start cataloging it while your collection is small. :P

It passed "small" long before I switched to Mac.

[keiblerfan69]

I use IGN and Gamespot. IGN is much better because you don't have to be exact on the name and they have imports too.

[Mayhem]

am i the only person who remembers what i've got in my noggin? the only thing is i can't remember what has manuals etc. so when i get a job lot of games, i check them accross with the older copy to check out condition/manual etc.

Nope, it's almost all in my head too. And Excel spreadsheet for a few just to confirm from time to time. No mean feat when I've got over 2,000 games in my collection LOL

[PapaStu]

am i the only person who remembers what i've got in my noggin? the only thing is i can't remember what has manuals etc. so when i get a job lot of games, i check them accross with the older copy to check out condition/manual etc.

No I carry my stuff in my head as well... my mind has always been good at remembering covers and has helped my so many times find variants that I didn't know existed.

However you get to a point where you've got a few thousand games (before variants) and your mind doesnt remember what you've got all that well.

[Rockman Neo]

Cripes, am I the only one who uses GameSpot? You can't track boxes or manuals with it or anything, but it's a pretty redundant feature if you ask me, since I already have all the boxes and manuals for all of my games archived in the attic (exlcuding my GC, XB, and PS1 games. They stay in my room).

At first, archiving crap on there is a tedious practice, but it's not too hard if you're just adding 1 or 2 games.

[Speedy_NES]

I started off with Excel, then moved on to a personalized database using Cardbox, and finally ended up at www.rfgeneration.com. Easy to track your collection and keep it updated, and as some have mentioned before, games get added fast ;)

[Joker T]

Have one on IGN, works fine for me.

[fishsandwich]

I have all my crap in Word documents. I wish I'd used Excel, but I'm not real good with it.

I forget to update from time to time. My buying has really slowed. Once in a while I'll buy something I already had but forgot to record. Dammit.

I need to re-do mine but I don't have the time.

:smash:

[rolenta]

I use a Word document to keep track. The list is arranged alphabetically by manufacturers and then subdivided by systems. Then I use software called Clickbook to print the document in booklet form. Right now the booklet runs 32 pages.

[djbeatmongrel]

i use ign for everything except Wonderswan, their database is weak on wonderswan.

anyone know a good place thats often updated like ign with new games but has an indepth database like the digitalpress one?

[cyberfluxor]

I can generally tell someone if I own a game or not, but I do store a highly accurate TXT file. Aside from that, I do update my digitpress "games owned" section when I remember to. There was a point where I wanted to start a spread sheet of all the games I own and the prices I paid, ect. and decided not to because of the tough work required and the lack of data I have collection from a few hundred I never recorded prices. All in all, I have a general feel on what I bought things for and only store the list.

[evg2000]

I use access, with a java app that creates my web pages on my site, and also creates a list that loads into ListPro so I have a custom copy of my list on my pocket PC.

later,
Charles

[GuilewasNK]

I used to use a spreadsheet in MS Works before I found out about IGN collections. I tried using Gamespot's version but it just isn't as robust as IGN. It doesn't differentiate between limited editions and regular, doesn't list demos, etc.

[Trebuken]

I use access, with a java app that creates my web pages on my site, and also creates a list that loads into ListPro so I have a custom copy of my list on my pocket PC.

I do something similar (no webpage, just the exporting).

I export from Game Collector to a text file (formatted through trial and error), that I can then copy to my PSP and open with CNReader (text reader for PSP).

Your method sounds cooler, but mine works OK for generatinf a portable list anyways.

Later,
Trebuken

[InsaneDavid]

Damn, all these answers sound like work.

That's why you start cataloging it while your collection is small. :P

For the record, I use Excel with my own template (Title, Box, Manual, Extras, Notes and Rarity).

Or sit down one day and go "I'm going to get this done" and do a little at a time, things will only continue to grow.

I use Excel for everything, only list the game title and condition (cartridge only, with box, with booklet, complete, etc.) as any other information such as manufacturer can always be looked up or I can just pull out the game and look. Different revisions are noted in the game title. I then copy / paste into a table over at my site so I'll have an online reference. Yeah it's not super detailed but it's only supposed to be a public supplement to the Excel hardcopies.

And of course all data (as well as web development) gets archived to CD media every week - I've learned the hard way about backing up your data...... all that technical documentation I wrote in high school.. all gone. :(

[Slate]

I use a text program on my PC and write them down in alphebetical order.

But they aren't all in one giant file - Nintendo systems are in a nintendo list file, sega in a sega file, Atari in atari file, and so on and so on.

In the files, they are listed like this example:

Nintendo NES: 133 games

Adveture Island 3
The Adventure Of Link

And, so on and so on. Also, if it has a manual, box, or is complete, i put after the title (Complete) (Boxed) or, (W manual). The ones without something like that are loose.

But if it is a system that i have more of them complete, the ones complete aren't listed, but the loose ones are.

I have all the files in a folder on the desktop of my PC.

[FullCircle]

I use collectorz.com's game collector software and a hacked cuecat. Then I add whatever info to the games that it doesn't pick up from its database. Then it will publish the lists to HTML and I use Zoom search engine to index them.

[William_the_Saint]

I am a Mac user as well. I use an AppleWorks 6 database. It comes standard on all Mac's and is easily customizable. Additionally it is fully Applescriptable so you can build your own front ends. I made a rough script that creates a series of linked web pages from it as well. Works for me.

[fishsandwich]

I use collectorz.com's game collector software and a hacked cuecat. Then I add whatever info to the games that it doesn't pick up from its database. Then it will publish the lists to HTML and I use Zoom search engine to index them.

I tried this one. I liked it but it's certainly skewered towards newer games. Saturn imports were really underrepresented. Has the datebase improved in the last year? How does it do with even older games?

[c0ldb33r]

I use 1up.com's "My games" tool

I really liked it at first, but have come to realise it sucks.

It's missing a lot of older gameboy titles, and they have almost no gamegear games at all.

I'm looking for a replacement. I'd love some sort of windows/linux app.

[VACRMH]

I used to use Collectorz.com's Game Collector, but when the info sources went away... it turned into a hassle.

I've been using IGN, but mainly to post what games i've beaten (Makes me feel better about spending so much money on games ;))

PROTIP: When you check a game and click add on IGN, it says the game has been added and then you can add extra info. If you click back you can keep adding games without loading the list.

[Oobgarm]

I started with an Excel list, moved over to IGN, and then I broke down and bought Collectorz.com's Game Collector software. It tracks almost any variable you can think of, and has user editable fields in case you think of some that aren't already there. And you can add covers/boxart. :D

It sucks that they cut out the ability to pool data from mobygames and allgameguide, but I was lucky enough to get the big parts of my collection input before that happened. I still have a lot to put in, though.

I cancelled my license for the Collectorz.com program(and got a refund) once they dropped allgameguide, but I was keen and stopped the program from checking for updates and set my firewall to deny it access to the internet prior to cancelling. So I can still use it all I want, it's all just manual entry now-which isn't THAT bad.

[GarrettCRW]

After hearing about the (apparently flawed) program from collectorz.com, I have to say that I'm surprised that no one has developed a similar program and included lists of the "dead" systems as standard, and the lists of the "live" systems updated regularly. That's what I was sort of hoping for, and what I'd pay good money for.

[Darth Sensei]

I think the problem may have been that not many were actually paying for the program. Just a hunch.

[kainemaxwell]

Excel spreadsheet for me listing:

Name
System
Company
DP Rarity
DP Price (which I've never started filling in and wondering if I even should)
Complete
Notes

Wondering also if I should start adding other info to it too.

[Push Upstairs]

As i said i use Openoffice (free) and I like using Calc (thier version of Excel) better than Excel.

All the info i have is as follows

Name - box - manual

My sheets are then broken down like so:

Genesis
Sega Other (Master System, Sega CD, Game Gear)
32-bit and later
Nintendo
Imports
Accessories
Systems

I was going to combine all these into one file but I like being able to print out individual sheets when i need to replace them in my binder.

[kainemaxwell]

Do you guys also do a seperate entry if you have the regular cart of a game, along with a variant (like the Activision blue labels)? Reason I ask is I have the reg and blue label versions of a couple 2600 carts and wondering if I should enter them any different, especially by rarity.

[Push Upstairs]

I'd enter both versions.

List it twice but make a note that one is the blue variant and one is the red.


Or however your system is setup.

[Matt-El]

Depends on your interest in variants. Truthfully, I couldn't give a crap about 2600 variants.

And if anyone is actually interested, I more or less PREFER lists already made like the ones here on dp and PRINT them out. I'm a Hands-On man. All paper checklists. If I don't have a list, I write it down.

Lots easier!

[wavracer]

I use Microsoft Excel and list completion status and battery age as well as the game title (so I know to replace the battery before starting an old game and losing all my saves).

[VACRMH]

I think the problem may have been that not many were actually paying for the program. Just a hunch.

Are you talking about Game Collector? It was more because they didn't ask permission to use the info sources.

[pacmanhat]

I've used a lot of different things, but IGN remains my site of choice. I used VGR for quite a while (and I loved it), but its submission process became too tedious for me at times, and there was a thing or two that I felt it simply lacked. I'm thinking of attempting to make an Access file to my liking at some point either in addition to or in place of my online list, but that's probably a ways off still.

[wisekrak]

I've used many catalog programs and I still have yet to find one that I truly like. I was using Collectorz.com for a while, but the biggest problems were the databases. They may be solving that problem now however as I have found that they are creating their own central database that will be updated by users of the program. That may soon make for a good database, or at least allow others to help make the database more complete.

As far as a Mac OS Game catalog program, check out this link http://www.bruji.com/gamepedia/index.html

I have't tried it ( I don't own a Mac) but it looks pretty.

[CYRiX]

a spreadsheet program.

(openoffice)
SAME!

[Lady Jaye]

Software-wise, if any Mac user had been wanting to use Game Collector, there's now a Mac-based similar shareware (for both PowerPC and Intel Mac) that sells for half the price of Game Collector ($18). It's called=http://www.bruji.com/gamepedia/ Gamepedia and it's not bad.

It's more for recent games though. If you mostly have classic games, you'll probably end up adding a lot of stuff manually.

[Rev. Link]

I used IGN for a long time, until I started getting more obscure stuff in my collection. They really suck at updating their database there. I got so pissed at them because they had that e-mail link to report additions to the database, but the seemed to just ignore everything I sent them. I knew when I got my Gameking it was time to move on.

Now I use Collectorz.com's GameCollector software. I really like it. I don't see how anyone can complain about a lack of a database when you can easily add in anything you want manually. It was a breeze for me to input all my stuff, even my most obscure systems, games, and imports. And it's fully customizable. You can arrange it however you want, tell it to display whatever info you want (I use title, system, developer, publisher), etc. And if you're willing to put a bit of time into it, you can make a really impressive database, with pictures, logos, descriptions, the works. Just ask my buddy Red Warrior, if he ever finds this thread. He's really proud of the work he's done to his GameCollector database.

I also like it for other reasons. You can export a stripped down version of your list to html and upload it to a website, which I do. Check my sig for the link. Though I do wish the exported list showed the number of games per system, or even a total number of games.

Also, you can export your list to a Palm or Pocket PC. I recently ordered a Tapwave Zodiac for this purpose. When it arrives, I'll be able to put my list on it and take it with me whenever I go out hunting games. Very convenient.

[tornadostormxl]

I use tradegamesnow.com to list my games

[ozyr]

I tried the online areas like DP and a few others, but just didn't care for that method.

I still use my custom made FileMaker Pro database, which I then put onto my Palm computer to carry with me. This has worked great for years now.

[l_lamb]

am i the only person who remembers what i've got in my noggin? the only thing is i can't remember what has manuals etc. so when i get a job lot of games, i check them accross with the older copy to check out condition/manual etc.

Depends on what system. I'm almost at 6000 pieces, but I can still remember many games that I don't have. I still use Excel to keep track of everything - box, manual, which version, UPC, etc. I've got smaller versions of these spreadsheets on my Zodiac so I can bring them with me. I tried the Collectorz program, IGN, and this site, but it takes too long. If I were starting out now, I'd use the Collectorz software.

[kainemaxwell]

After reading all this I kinda feel like I should be adding more to my lists besides the usual, and maybe DP Price..

[Optical]

Hey guys. I was thinking about taking an inventory of all the games and accessories I have. I was curious what others have used to accomplish this. I was thinking about making an Access database or something similar, but I was thinking there might be something easier.

Please reply with what you have done or your suggestions.

[joshnickerson]

I've been using an Excel spreadsheet to keep track. Some people go as low tech as Notepad. Just use whatever's comfortable to you.

[Nebagram]

I've been using Excel pretty much since I've been able to type. It does the job well. :)

[FoxyGamer]

This is weird- I just started my inventory last night. I, too, am using Excel- seems to be the best way to get things done. I have things sorted by system, year, title, developer, producer, loose/boxed, condition.

[Big Papa Husker]

I see... I will just have to have a start date for this.... It will take a while.

[ecresto]

i use game collectorz . i love it . you can add all types of info , pics , etc . and you can get a crack for it so u dont have to pay the 30 bucks . google it

[Kevincal]

Try www.rfgeneration.com They have a comprehensive software and hardware database to track your collection. :)

[Kevin H]

I use excel also, but I go kinda cheat and make a master list of everything using tablets from sites like DP and others and then make extra boxes for whether I have cart, box, and/ or manuals. I then just check each part off as I get them. I have it for everything from Atari to N64 playstation.

[Lemmi_Is_God]

i use the Cart Commander
it might not be the best but im not going to start anything new or change to a different format and im not going to use a website
you can do software and hardware with it

i started with paper to catalog everything then i put that into the cart commander
and if there isnt a spot for some specific info i want to keep track of i use the notes area in CC

[roushimsx]

I use Open Game Lister. Bit of a pain to setup and it's lacking a lot of functionality and flexibility, but I really like the way it looks. Plus entering games in it is fairly snappy.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[ninjabearhug]

Once i finish my new games room and get round to unpacking all my stuff, i am definitely going to have to list my stuff. At the moment all my spares are mixed in with the rest of my collection and its proving an absolute nightmare remembering what i already have. I never bothered before because in my old house all my games were displayed on shelves right next to my PC, which meant it was actually quicker to just scan my collection to check whether or not i had a game than to scan a database. Since my new games room is in the attic and the PC is downstairs that option is no longer available. I think i'm just going to use an Excel spreadsheet, i don't really need fancy pictures or any information other than whether the games are complete or not, i just need to know if i already have it.