Robot Wars Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Robot Wars Wiki
Wiki This page documents an official Robot Wars Wiki policy, a widely accepted standard that all users should follow. When editing this page, please ensure that your revision reflects consensus. If in doubt, consider discussing changes on the talk page.


To maintain the Robot Wars Wiki as an accurate and trustworthy resource, the Canon policy applies to all articles in the mainspace.

The TV Broadcast is Canon, until such time as it is explicitly disproved.[]

  • Robot Wars is a TV show first and foremost. The version of events as broadcast and explained on the show itself is accepted, until explicitly disproved.
  • To disprove the TV show, there must be one of the following:
    • A factual error, disproven by the show itself:
    • Examples:
      • Spelling errors, mistaken words and incorrect references: Destruct-A-Bubble was mistakenly spelled as "Distruct-A-Bubble". Shadow of Napalm was mistakenly referred to as "Son of Napalm" in the Series 4 Grand Final recap.
      • Incorrect recollections: During its Series 4 appearance, Killertron is explicitly referred to as having finished third in Series 2, when it actually finished fourth. The broadcast itself later explains this.
      • Omissions: Terror-Bull was twice labelled as a "new machine" in Series 6, Heat G, completely overlooking its previous appearance in Series 4, Heat P.
    • An express contradiction by roboteers or other people relevant to the information being broadcast:
    • Examples:
      • Or Te is stylised as Orte on the TV broadcast. Unlike the Destruct-A-Bubble example, it is consistently referred to as such in Robot Wars media.[1] However, the Or Te Facebook page indicates that the team wishes it to be be formatted as Or Te.[2]
      • 101 is constantly stated as being named for its cheap price of ₤1.01. In fact, it actually cost around £12.[3]
    • Another reliable source:
      • In Episode 10 of Robot Wars Extreme Series 1, Tornado sustained damage in a Mayhem battle which Jonathan Pearce noted as potentially crucial in its All-Stars Quarter-Final introduction. However, the Team Tornado website confirms that the Mayhem battle was actually filmed after the entire All-Stars Tournament, thus the damage would not have had any bearing on Tornado's performance in the latter match.[4][5]

Referencing contradictions/supplementary information[]

  • Anything falling under the above criteria, or information from secondary sources (e.g. team websites/social media pages) should be referenced. This can be done either with an explanatory footnote or a direct reference to the original source. If possible, also include the author, date and (for printed/e-book publications) page numbers.
  • Use the <ref> and </ref> codes when adding in a new reference. Selecting "Cite" (book icon) from the Source Editor toolbar will allow you to add and customise a new reference automatically with these codes.
    • Some references can be used more than once in a single article. To do this, insert the name code (<ref name="Example">) at the start of the reference. For multiple uses, add a self-closing code (<ref name="Example"/>) each time the reference is made.
  • Square brackets ( [ and ] ) can also be used to contain a URL address for web-based resources. Further details - including page titles, the site name, upload dates and (for digitally-scanned/reproduced material) publishing information - can be added in the space between the URL and the ] bracket.
  • To add a list of references at the end of each page (under the "References" section), add the <references/> code. The references used throughout the page should be displayed automatically.
  • For more information on how to add references, plus the 'Cite' feature in Source Editor, see Help:Cite at FANDOM Community Central.

Highlighting and adding citations to unreferenced information[]

  • Unsubstantiated information that contradicts the show will be marked with a {{cit}} template. The template is to remain there until the relevant information is cited properly, as in the example below:
  • Over 3,500 robots applied for Series 5, though only 96 places were available for the televised competition.
  • Over 3,500 robots applied for Series 5, though only 96 places were available for the televised competition.Citation?
  • Example of a suitable citation being added to the previously unreferenced text:
  • Over 3,500 robots applied for Series 5, though only 96 places were available for the televised competition.[6]
  • If a significant period of time passes and no one substantiates the claim, then the information may be deleted.

Examples of information requiring citations[]

  • Information from official Robot Wars publications and documents (e.g. the Robot Wars Magazine, build rules).
  • Publicly-released content from Robot Wars and associated websites/social media feeds (e.g. team, roboteer and broadcaster accounts).
  • Information from secondary books, magazines and/or articles.
  • Information from secondary websites (e.g. team websites).
  • Correspondences between Wiki users and teams/roboteers (see below).
  • First-hand accounts from filming, qualifiers/auditions and/or 2000-2001 Live Events.

Roboteer correspondences and contributions[]

Unlike many other FANDOM (formerly Wikia) projects, original information is often added to the Wiki concerning specific Robot Wars robots and events. This can often come from correspondences between Wiki users and competing roboteers, or by direct contributions from roboteers themselves.

In these cases, additional information is often provided which is otherwise not covered in the main TV show and/or merchandise. Thus, the same rules concerning referencing apply in each instance where the information is added to the mainspace.

Correspondences between roboteers and Wiki users[]

  • If correspondences take place in person (e.g. at a live event), they should be referenced using a caption, date and other relevant information.
  • If correspondences take place online (either via social media sites (e.g. Facebook) or email), extracts of the exchange can be added using the {{Quote| | }} template along with appropriate captions and references.
    • Alternatively, screenshots of the correspondence are recommended to be uploaded and posted to the talk page. However, exemptions can be granted by an admin if there is no reasonable prospect of accessing old quotes, depending on the reputation of the user for honesty.

Roboteer contributions[]

The Wiki community accepts that roboteers know more about their robots than regular users could. However, there are some strict requirements for original contributions made by roboteers competing on the show:
  • Identify yourself clearly: Roboteers who seek to contribute must be clearly identifiable by an admin. Whilst we assume good faith, we cannot assume identity based on contribution alone. Roboteers are asked to identify themselves on their talk page after creating an account.

    In the case of edits created under IP addresses, it is recommended that roboteers clearly identify themselves in the edit summary. Unacceptable identification includes "we", "I am a member of the team" or anything else non-conclusive. The more verification you provide, the more likely your edits will be considered acceptable.
Examples:
  • State overriding information on the talk page, and sign it: Where a roboteer seeks to correct incorrect information, they must specifically state what is wrong, what is right, and sign their name to that it can be identified.
  • The Wiki is not for every little detail: Wiki articles always benefit from more content, but not every single piece of information about a given robot or team. Examples of information which can be potentially considered irrelevant or inappropriate include:
  • Comments classified as non-published content under Robot Wars Wiki:Content from Social Media, particularly those shared informally on social media and/or in person. This may vary depending on the context, and whether such information could otherwise be considered published content.
If in doubt, do not add to your article.

Official Robot Wars publications, merchandise and announcements[]

If Robot Wars merchandise contradicts the broadcast or other elements of the Robot Wars show (e.g. build and sporting rules), it should be disregarded.

However, if merchandise adds information which is otherwise not specifically referenced in the main show, the relevant information should be added with appropriate referencing.

  • Examples:
    • Along with the judging criteria for the Revival Series (Series 8-10), Robot Wars: The Official Handbook includes the official points system for the categories in use at the time (Aggression, Damage and Control). The scores for each category were thus calculated as follows, with Aggression being the leading criteria:
  • AGGRESSION: 1-5 points x3
  • DAMAGE: 1-5 points x2
  • CONTROL: 1-5 points x1[8]

Other Rules[]

  • Naming a robot:
    • When robots are given different names, all names are considered canon unless they fall within the typo exception. The robot name considered the most standard identity or, in most circumstances, the most commonly used becomes the title of the page. See Robot Wars Wiki:Style Guide for more information.
  • Non-canon honours:
    • Honours are limited exclusively to the televised Robot Wars show.
    • However, if agreed, some can be listed if based purely on observations of content and how highly regarded certain actions are.
      • Robot Wars: The Ultimate Guide lists the record for shortest battle (albeit misappropriating the holder of that record). Therefore, this is considered an honour.
      • Throwing a robot out of the arena is considered a highly significant feat - far more so than pitting an opponent or severely damaging one with a powerful weapon. Therefore, identifying which achieved the most attacks of this kind is permissible.
      • Obvious honours like longest undefeated streak and most victories are allowed, despite being non-canonical, because they can be identified based on observation.
      • The Combat Robot Hall of Fame is also addressed, as numerous robots from Robot Wars were inducted or given honourable mentions following their appearances on the show.
  • As far as the Wiki is concerned, events between Series 7 and 8 are not related to the Robot Wars TV show:
    • Between Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars and Robot Wars: Series 8, the Fighting Robots Association (FRA) ran numerous events in conjunction with live event organisers (e.g. Roaming Robots and Robots Live!). Several prominent robots won significant titles through competing in these, including the heavyweight UK Championship.
    • However, for the purpose of the Wiki, the Robot Wars show went on hiatus between 2004 and 2016, and all events other than broadcast Robot Wars episodes are non-canon. Therefore, Typhoon 2 was the incumbent Robot Wars UK Champion until Series 8, rather than Eruption or TR2.
      • By extension, the 2013-2016 Robot Wars live events organised by Roaming Robots are covered on relevant competitor/House Robot pages, but are treated as a separate entity to the TV show.
  • Outside Robot Wars
    • In most cases, "Outside Robot Wars" sections follow all sections relevant to the Robot Wars show, including the Series Record.
    • Content can include developments following the robot's appearance in the televised show, along with robot/team appearances at independent live events (e.g. Extreme Robots, Robots Live!) and other TV shows (e.g. Techno Games, BattleBots, King of Bots/This is Fighting Robots).
    • If applicable, these sections are also to be used in Team Pages, covering robots which did not appear in or attempt to apply for the Robot Wars show.
    • Coverage of the 2013-2016 Robot Wars Live Events is separated into its own "Robot Wars Live Events" section, in most cases being placed in between "Outside Robot Wars" and "Trivia".
  • Auditions/Qualifiers
    • The coverage of series auditions and qualifiers on a competitor article is determined on a case-by-case basis:
      • Robots with substantial details concerning their qualification history may receive a dedicated 'Qualification' section covering this aspect.
      • Robots with limited information on qualification details should only have this mentioned in the introductory paragraphs.
  • 1994-1997 Events
    • Though run separately from televised series produced by Mentorn, the original 1994-1997 US competitions run by Marc Thorpe saw selected highlights being released in official UK episodes and merchandise. Furthermore, a selection of robots (e.g. Prometheus, WYSIWYG, frenZy and Mauler) are known to have competed in or made appearances in 1994-1997 and televised events.
    • For the sake of completion, events, arenas, robots and personalities specific to the 1994-1997 era only are covered by their own pages on the Wiki. If a competitor participates in any event from both eras, information concerning televised and pre-TV incarnations, Robot Histories and battle/result records can be combined.
    • The 1995 UK Open Competition is considered a pilot episode for the original UK Series, though a complete recording or event record is currently unavailable. Information on competitors (e.g. The Master, La Machine and the 1995 Thor) and events is based on footage and information released in official UK episodes/merchandise, unless otherwise proven or expanded upon by secondary sources.
  • 2000-2001 Live Events
    • Official Live Events were held in 2000 and 2001 as qualifiers for the televised Fourth and Fifth Wars. As they were run directly by Mentorn - the production company behind the Robot Wars TV show - they are considered integral to the qualification processes of these series. Therefore, mentions of these should be included in 'Qualification' sections where possible.
  • Battle Length
    • Because the broadcasts are usually edited, it is difficult to time a battle simply by watching it. A battle is deemed to be the length of battle as broadcast on TV, subtracting any time dedicated to replays or reaction shots. Therefore, if a Classic Series battle takes 30 seconds from 'Activate' to the Refbot countdown, with ten seconds of replay, the televised battle is deemed to be 20 seconds long, even if footage has been edited out.

Exceptions[]

  • Rivalries: Whilst there were indeed some rivalries in Robot Wars, many of them were informal or staged for entertainment purposes, especially those showcased in Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1/Vengeance. Do not take them at face value by using the words "bitter" or "infamous".

References[]

Advertisement