How to Cite a Video Game in MLA
When it comes to citing a video game in MLA style, it can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly cite a video game in MLA format.
Basic Requirements
Before we dive into the specific guidelines for citing a video game in MLA, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements for citing any source in MLA. According to the MLA Handbook (8th edition), a citation should include the following elements:
- Author’s name (or title if no author is listed)
- Title of the source (including subtitles)
- Publication date
- Page numbers or other location information
- Publication title (if relevant)
- Medium (e.g., print, web, or video)
Citing a Video Game
Now that we’ve covered the basic requirements, let’s move on to the specific guidelines for citing a video game in MLA.
Print Video Game
MLA 8th Edition Citation Format:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game. Publisher, Year of Release. Platform.
Example Citation:
Grimmjow, Kazushi. BlazBlue: Central Fiction. Arc System Works, 2015. PlayStation 3.
Note: If the game is part of a collection or anthology, include the title of the collection in the citation.
Digital Video Game
MLA 8th Edition Citation Format:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game. Platform, Year of Release. Web. Date of Access, https://www.url.com.
Example Citation:
Kojima, Hideo. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. PlayStation 3, 2015. Web. 1 Feb. 2022, https://www.gamefaqs.com/ps3/714444-metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain.
Note: If the game is no longer available on the web, you can remove the "Web." and "Date of Access" information.
Video Game Series
MLA 8th Edition Citation Format:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game Series, Number of Volume, Publisher, Year of Release. Platform.
Example Citation:
Shigeru Miyamoto. Super Mario, 5, Nintendo, 2000. Game Boy Color.
Note: If the game series has multiple volumes or games, include the volume number or title of each game in the citation.
Additional Tips
- Check the credits: Make sure to check the credits or game manual to confirm the author(s) and title of the game.
- Use the correct title case: Use title case for the title of the game, but not for subtitles or parts of the title.
- Include the platform: Include the platform or medium in which the game was played, such as "PlayStation 4" or "Steam".
- Cite digital games: When citing a digital game, include the URL and date of access if the game is available online.
- Use commas correctly: Use commas to separate the author’s name from the title, and to separate items in a list.
MLA Video Game Citation Example
Here is an example of a MLA citation for a video game:
Grimmjow, Kazushi. BlazBlue: Central Fiction. Arc System Works, 2015. PlayStation 3.
MLA Video Game Citation Table
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Print Video Game | Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game. Publisher, Year of Release. Platform. |
| Digital Video Game | Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game. Platform, Year of Release. Web. Date of Access, https://www.url.com. |
| Video Game Series | Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Game Series, Number of Volume, Publisher, Year of Release. Platform. |
By following these guidelines and using the correct format, you can ensure that your citations for video games in MLA are accurate and complete. Remember to check the credits, use title case, include the platform, and cite digital games with the URL and date of access.