Citing a video game in academic or research work might seem unusual, but it's becoming increasingly common as the influence of gaming grows. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to cite a video game in various citation styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into specific citation styles, it's essential to grasp the core elements typically included in a video game citation:
Title of the game: This is the most crucial piece of information.
Platform: The platform on which the game is played (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, etc.).
Publisher: The company responsible for releasing the game.
Year of release: The year the game was initially released.
Developer: While not always required, including the developer can provide additional context.
Citation Styles.
MLA (Modern Language Association)
Basic format:
Title of game. Version, Publisher, Year. Platform [Game].
Example:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Standard Edition, CD Projekt Red, 2015. PlayStation 4 [Game].
APA (American Psychological Association)
Basic format:
Title of game (Version). (Year). City, State: Publisher.
Example:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Standard Edition). (2015). Warsaw, Poland: CD Projekt Red.
Chicago (Author-Date)
Basic format:
Title of game. Version. City, State: Publisher, Year.
Example:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Standard Edition. Warsaw, Poland: CD Projekt Red, 2015.
Harvard (Author-Date)
Basic format:
Title of game (Version). (Year) City, State: Publisher.
Example:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Standard Edition). (2015) Warsaw, Poland: CD Projekt Red.
Additional Considerations
In-text citations:
Typically, the game title is mentioned in the text, followed by the year in parentheses. For example: "The open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) offers players unparalleled freedom."
Specific elements: If you're referencing a particular scene, level, or character, consider including additional details in your citation.
Online games: For online games without physical copies, provide the website URL or the game's platform.
Multiple platforms: If the game is available on multiple platforms, list all relevant platforms.
Game updates: If citing a specific game update or expansion, include this information in the citation.
Challenges and Best Practices
Citing video games can be challenging due to the lack of standardized guidelines. To ensure consistency and accuracy, follow these best practices:
Consult your style guide: Refer to the specific style guide required for your assignment or publication.
Be consistent: Use the same citation format throughout your work.
Provide clear information: Include all relevant details to help readers locate the game.
Verify information: Double-check the accuracy of game titles, platforms, and release dates.
Example Citations
To illustrate the differences between citation styles, here are examples for the same video game:
Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 2017
MLA:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo, 2017. Nintendo Switch [Game].
APA:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. (2017). Kyoto, Japan: Nintendo.
Chicago:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Kyoto, Japan: Nintendo, 2017.
Harvard:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. (2017) Kyoto, Japan: Nintendo.
Read Also: How Video Games Affect the Brain: A Complex Tapestry
Conclusion
While citing video games might present unique challenges, adhering to established citation styles and providing clear information is essential for academic integrity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate video games into your research and writing.