How to cite a video game?

How to Cite a Video Game?

Citing a video game can be a bit tricky, but it’s an essential part of academic research, particularly in fields like game studies, humanities, and social sciences. Whether you’re writing a research paper, a thesis, or an essay, proper citation of video games is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the creators and developers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of citing a video game, including different citation styles and formats.

Why Cite a Video Game?

Citing a video game is important for several reasons:

  • Credit the creators: Citing a video game acknowledges the work and efforts of the developers, designers, and publishers who created the game.

  • Accurate referencing: Proper citation ensures that you’re referencing the correct version of the game, which is especially important when dealing with sequels, remakes, or updated versions.

  • Scholarly integrity: Citing a video game maintains the academic integrity of your work, demonstrating your commitment to accuracy and fairness.

Citing a Video Game: A Guide

There are several citation styles and formats you can use to cite a video game, depending on your academic discipline, instructor’s preferences, or the publication you’re targeting. We’ll cover the most popular citation styles below:

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style

  • Format: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Game. Platform, Publisher, Year of Release.

  • Example: Brown, John. The Last of Us. PlayStation 3, Sony Computer Entertainment, 2013.

  • Note: For MLA, you can include additional information like the game’s developers, genre, and release date in the bibliography or works cited page.

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

  • Format: Author, A. (Year of release). Title of game [Platform]. Publisher.

  • Example: Smith, J. (2018). Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey [PlayStation 4]. Ubisoft.

  • Note: In APA, the author’s last name appears first, followed by the publication year. You can also include additional information like the game’s developers and release date in the references list.

Chicago/Turabian Style

  • Format: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Game. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Release. Medium.

  • Example: Smith, John. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. New York: Bethesda Softworks, 2011. Game.

  • Note: In Chicago/Turabian style, the medium (game) is added after the publication date to clarify the format.

Harvard Style

  • Format: Author, A. (Year) Title of Game [Platform]. Publisher.

  • Example: Lee, S. (2020) Final Fantasy VII Remake [PlayStation 4]. Square Enix.

  • Note: In Harvard style, the author’s last name appears first, followed by the publication year. You can also include additional information like the game’s developers and release date in the references list.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Platform: When citing a video game, specify the platform or medium on which the game was released (e.g., PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC).

  • Publisher: Include the publisher’s name to credit the company responsible for releasing the game.

  • Version: If you’re citing a specific version of the game (e.g., demo, deluxe edition, or DLC), indicate this in the citation.

  • Italicization: In some citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA), game titles should be italicized or underlined. Follow the guidelines of your chosen citation style.

  • Additional information: Depending on your citation style, you may include additional information like the game’s developers, release date, or genre in the bibliography or references list.

Common FAQs

  1. How do I cite a video game without a clear author or publisher?

Use the game’s title as the author or cite the developer/publisher as the creator.

  1. Can I use a video game’s packaging or online information as a citation?

No, using packaging or online information without verifying its accuracy can lead to incorrect citations.

  1. How do I cite a video game with multiple creators or developers?

List the creators or developers in the order they appear in the game’s credits.

  1. Do I need to cite a video game’s DLC (Downloadable Content)?

Yes, DLC is considered a part of the original game and should be cited as such.

  1. Can I cite a video game’s soundtrack or music?

Yes, if the soundtrack or music is a separate entity from the game itself (e.g., a separate album release), cite it as you would any other audio recording.

  1. How do I cite a video game with multiple platforms (e.g., PS4, Xbox One, PC)?

Use the platform(s) you’re referring to in the citation, but keep in mind that some citation styles may not accommodate multiple platforms.

  1. Can I cite a video game that’s no longer available or has been removed from digital stores?

Yes, still cite the game as you would any other, including the platform and publisher information.

  1. Do I need to include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for a video game?

DOIs are typically used for online academic journals and articles, not video games. If you’re citing a digital game, use the platform’s website or the game’s official page as a reference.

In conclusion, citing a video game is a crucial part of academic research and requires attention to detail and consistency. By following the guidelines above and using the correct citation style, you’ll ensure that your work is accurately referenced and gives proper credit to the creators and developers of the games you’re researching.

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