We've been using BMS as Source from 2012 (or even much earlier), but it's obviously incorrect and may be misleading.
BMS is actually a name of file type. It was first created to simulate Beatmania IIDX, which can be used in software like BM98 or Lunatic Rave 2. In other words, BMS is actually quite similar to .osz files.
Basically, there are three problems that appear when maps have BMS Sources:
Here's an alternative I proposed if we're going to remove it from Source:
"BMS" can still be filled into tags for players to search.
That's all from me. For people who understand how BMS works (like me) this can be quite triggering, so I'm making a proposal and hope you guys can leave your thoughts here.
What is BMS?
BMS is actually a name of file type. It was first created to simulate Beatmania IIDX, which can be used in software like BM98 or Lunatic Rave 2. In other words, BMS is actually quite similar to .osz files.
Why should we remove it from Source?
Basically, there are three problems that appear when maps have BMS Sources:
- There's no reason for us to use a file type's name as Source. All the other sources are representing a game, a movie, a fiction, or even a campaign. They're all identical and can be tracked with their names.
- "BMS" is quite vague and cannot reflect any useful information. Since BMS is being used for years, there are tons of music production (or even reproduction) depends on it. After 20 years of developing, "BMS" has songs in different types and genres. By simply writing "BMS" people can't gain any other "useful" information about the song.
- BMS Sources are misleading. Like I said in the first problem, people might think "BMS" is a game or fiction. Any information included in metadata shouldn't be misleading, they should be correct or people won't be able to recognize them.
Proposing an Alternative
Here's an alternative I proposed if we're going to remove it from Source:
- Leave it blank. The simplest way to solve the problem.
- If the song's produced for an event, use the event's name as Source. There are quite a lot of events like the BOF series and FRENZ series, which may include some BMS songs. Filling the event's name can help people find the song if they want to.
"BMS" can still be filled into tags for players to search.
That's all from me. For people who understand how BMS works (like me) this can be quite triggering, so I'm making a proposal and hope you guys can leave your thoughts here.