Package Creator
The full-power tool for contributing a complete package record to the Retrollect database. Available at /packages/create, it gives you direct control over every field — platform, region, components, containers, barcodes, and more.
Before you start
Have your item in front of you. You'll need the barcode from the back of the box, the serial number (usually printed on the back or spine), and the exact list of components in the box. The more information you provide, the faster moderation goes.
The Package Creator layout
Unlike a linear wizard, the Package Creator is a single-page bench. All sections are visible at once and you can fill them in any order. A readiness indicator in the top-right shows your percentage completion — the Submit button activates once the minimum required fields are filled.
// New package [Title field] [Readiness %] [Submit]
└── Release — platform, region, edition, distribution, barcodes…
└── Contents — subjects, containers, components…
└── Identity key — auto-generated from your inputs
Name the release
Click the large title field at the top and type the name of the package — typically the game or product title as it appears on the box in your primary language. For regional releases with a different title on the box, use the Release title field (under More details in the Release section) for the localised name.
The title here is the canonical English name used for identification in the database. Regional variant titles (e.g. "Zelda no Densetsu: Toki no Ocarina") go in Release title, not here.
Fill in the Release section
The Release section (collapsed by a // Release heading) covers all the metadata that distinguishes one physical release from another.
Required fields
Common fields
More details (expanded)
Click More details to reveal additional fields:
Add subjects
A subject is the game or hardware model that this package represents. Every package needs at least one subject.
Game subject
Search the Retrollect database or IGDB. An IGDB game is imported into Retrollect automatically when the proposal is submitted.
Hardware subject
Search hardware models — consoles, handhelds, accessories. Use when the primary product is a hardware item, not a game.
For bundles (e.g. a console + game combo pack), add multiple subjects. Mark one as Primary — it's the item the package is primarily associated with in search results and collection views.
You can also click Clone a catalogue release to start from an existing package. The full record loads into the bench — tweak whatever differs and submit as a new proposal. The system checks for duplicates automatically on submission.
Define containers and components
The Contents section is where you document what's physically inside the box.
Components
Add each physical item included in this release. Click Add componentand select a type from the list (Disc, Cartridge, Manual, Poster, Map, Insert, Sticker, Download code, etc.).
Containers
Containers are used for bundles where multiple sub-boxes exist inside the outer box — for example, a hardware bundle that includes both a console box and a game box. Most single-game packages don't need containers.
When you add a container, you can assign components to it using the Container field on each component. Components without a container are attached to the outer package itself.
Add barcodes
Barcodes are the most reliable way to uniquely identify a physical release. At least one barcode is required for every physical package (digital releases are exempt).
Click Add barcode to attach multiple barcodes if your copy has more than one (e.g. a sticker barcode on top of the original).
The barcode is one of the key deduplication signals. If a package with the same barcode already exists in the database, your submission is matched against it rather than creating a duplicate — and it's added to your collection directly.
Review the identity key and submit
At the bottom of the bench, the Identity key shows a compact summary of the package's distinguishing attributes — platform, edition, region, subject count, and distribution type. It's checked against the catalogue when you submit to prevent duplicates.
The readiness indicator (the circular percentage in the top-right) shows how many of the five key fields are complete: title, platform, subjects, components, and barcode. The Submit button activates at 100% of the required fields — you don't need to fill every optional field.
When you're ready, click Submit. Two outcomes are possible:
Exact match found
The server deduplicates your submission against an existing approved package. The item is added to your collection directly — no moderation needed.
New package
A package proposal is created with status Pending. A moderator reviews it, may request changes, and publishes it when it's accurate. Track the status at /proposals.
Tracking your proposal
After submitting, go to /proposals to see the status.
Needs changes? Open the proposal, read the moderator's note, make the corrections, and click Resubmit. The proposal returns to the moderation queue with your changes and a note that it was revised.
Tips for a fast approval
Include the barcode
It's the fastest path to approval. Moderators use it to cross-check your region, edition, and serial number against known databases.
Include the serial number
Printed on the box spine or disc label. For cartridges it may be embossed on the circuit board. It uniquely identifies the pressing.
List every component
A complete component list is one of the most valuable things you can contribute. Collectors rely on it when buying a 'complete' copy.
Be precise about region
PAL alone isn't enough for European releases — a PAL copy sold in Germany (DE) is treated differently from one sold in Australia (AU).