How we collect and check our data

Every figure on GamesChart has a source and a date. We don't publish a number we can't source. If a publisher doesn't disclose a figure, we say so rather than estimate it.

Drop rates. We use only the rates a publisher discloses itself, on its own website, support pages or official odds page, and never figures from fan wikis or data-mining. We record each rate exactly as published, in the item or banner it belongs to, with the date we read it. We only record a guarantee (pity) when the publisher states one.

Averages and chances. Where we give the average number of openings, we work it out from the published rate: 1 ÷ rate, or (1 − (1 − rate)^N) ÷ rate when the publisher guarantees the item on opening N. The chance of at least one drop in n openings is 1 − (1 − rate)^n. We don't model soft pity (rates that rise before the guarantee) unless the publisher publishes the schedule.

Prices. Prices come from official UK stores, such as the PlayStation Store UK, Steam UK or the publisher's own shop, in pounds, recorded exactly as listed on the date shown. We don't include temporary sale prices or subscriber discounts.

Player numbers and the weekly chart. The weekly chart ranks games by their peak concurrent players on Steam over the last 30 days, as shown on each game's Steam Charts page on the day we compile the chart. We check the games in Steam Charts' top 100 and any game we cover. Each row links to the page its number came from. Steam figures don't include console players or other PC launchers, so a game that sells mainly on console will rank lower than its real audience. Movement is measured against the previous week's chart.

Audience. The weekly chart and the drop-rate index include only games rated PEGI 12, 16 or 18, or, for a game with no PEGI rating, an equivalent rating of 12 or higher from another ratings board (for example ESRB Teen or USK 12). We leave games rated PEGI 3 or 7 out of the chart, even when they are among the most played, and say in the chart commentary which big games we left out. Game pages also cover games from our best-games ranking that are rated PEGI 3 or 7. Every game page records its rating and where we checked it.

Updates. Game pages and the drop-rate index are re-checked at least once a quarter and whenever a publisher changes its rates. Each page shows the date its figures were last checked. Earlier values are kept in our version history, so we can show what changed and when.