Hello
I attempted to add a link of SteamDB (https://steamdb.info/depot/919052/) to this MusicBrainz release: Release “Graveyard Keeper OST” by Hamza El Hamri - MusicBrainz . However, I got the error:
This URL is not allowed for the selected link type, or is incorrectly formatted.
I am only able to add the base app URL (https://steamdb.info/app/919050), but that’s not the specific link I want to include.
Some background to clarify the situation:
Before 2020, Steam had several different ways to distribute soundtracks:
- Separate “Games”: Some soundtracks could be sold as standalone “Game”, though I don’t think this method was really used.
- Bundled with Game Files: Soundtracks could be included directly in the game’s directory, often for special editions (e.g., see OGG files in https://steamdb.info/depot/559621/).
- Separate “DLC”: This became the standard method, soundtracks were offered as DLC, (e.g., see App Type DLC, https://steamdb.info/app/988810/). Access require owning the base game.
In 2020, Steam introduced a new content type specifically for music: “Music” app type. Using this method, soundtracks like the one in our original example are now standalone apps categorized as “Music.” This allows them to be purchased and downloaded independently of the base game, and enable dev to easily add multiple quality options.
Importantly, these “Music” apps have their own depots, which list all the files and provide a manifest tracking file updates (e.g., https://steamdb.info/depot/919052/history/). This level of transparency is not available for DLCs. This is especially useful when official Steam store pages are outdated or incomplete. For instance, the Graveyard Keeper OST Steam page lists only 32 tracks, while the corresponding depot lists 34.
Therefore, would it be possible to allow links to specific depots like https://steamdb.info/depot/depotid on MB release pages? This would provide more accurate info about the contents of Steam-distributed soundtracks and make the full file list publicly reviewable by anyone.