Tips on Using IFDB

IFDB has two main functions. First, it's designed to be a comprehensive catalog of IF, past and present. IFDB is collaborative - it's a little like a Wiki for IF bibliography. Registered users can edit the game listings in the catalog and even add new listings, so you never have to wait for the site's administrators to get around to entering the latest updates. IFDB's second function is to share recommendations - to give IF enthusiasts tools to give and receive personalized recommendations about games to play.

In addition, IFDB tries to make it easier for newcomers to get started with Interactive Fiction. A significant challenge for new players has always been to navigate the labyrinth of Interpreters, Players, and other applications needed to play most modern IF games. IFDB's Download Adviser can give you customized, step-by-step instructions that tell you precisely what you need, where to find it, and how to install it, based on the game you want to play and the operating system you're using.

If you're looking for recommendations

Here are three ways to use IFDB to find recommendations for games to play:

1. Start with a "Recommended List." One of IFDB's key features is the Recommended List. Any member can create a list of favorite games in any category. There's no pre-set list of categories, so members can get as creative as they like. If you're looking for a particular kind of game, try using "Search for a list," which you can find on the IFDB Home page. Enter keywords describing the kind of list you're looking for - "children's fantasy," say, or "post-apocalyptic science fiction."

2. Start with a reviewer you trust. Spend a little while browsing through games, and read some of the member reviews. You'll probably find some reviewers who seem to have similar taste to your own. When you see a review you like, you can click on the reviewer's name to see all of their other reviews. Take a look at which games they rate most highly - chances are that you'll like them, too.

3. Start with a game you really like. If you have a favorite game, look at its listing. There are a couple of useful connections you can explore from here. The listing will point out some Recommended Lists that feature the game - these lists can be great sources of recommendations for similar games. Also, look at the reviews: people who give the game high marks might have similar taste to yours, so you can see what other games they like by viewing their other reviews.

If you want to promote your favorite games

1. Make sure the game is listed accurately. If you can't find a favorite game listed on IFDB, add it! IFDB lets members add new listings, so there's no need to wait for a central administrator to get around to updating the catalog when a new game comes out. Click here to add a new listing, or use the link on the Home page. And if you find a listing that's incomplete or inaccurate, you can expand or correct it yourself - every game page has a link titled "Edit this page" that lets you update the listing.

2. Write a review. One of the best things you can do to promote a game is to tell people what's so great about it. Don't just say that the game is great - tell people why. In your profile, or even in the review, give some thoughts on your own taste, so readers will have some idea of how closely your perspective aligns with theirs. To write a review, go to the game's main page and click the "Write a review" link.

3. Create a Recommended List. People looking for games want customized, personalized recommendations - they want to know about the specific kinds of games they're looking for. Recommended Lists let you give other members exactly this kind of custom recommendation. If there's a particular category of game that you like, create a list with your favorite games in the category. You can create as many lists as you want, so you don't have to limit yourself to a generic "Top 10" list - you can create lists tailored to the niches you're interested in. Click here to create a list.