How to cite a game generally requires including the game’s title, developer, publisher, platform, and release year, depending on the citation style.
Have you ever been engrossed in a game and later wondered how to properly credit it in your research or writing? It can feel a little tricky sometimes, right? Knowing how to cite a game isn’t always straightforward like citing a book or article.
Different citation styles, such as MLA or APA, have specific guidelines. Understanding these rules helps you give credit where it’s due and adds credibility to your work. Let’s explore the specifics.
How to Cite a Game: A Gamer’s Guide to Proper Citations
Have you ever written a school paper or a blog post and needed to mention a video game? It’s like sharing your love for a game but in a formal way! Just like you need to cite a book or a website, you also need to cite a game properly. It’s not just about giving credit; it helps people find the game you’re talking about. This guide will show you how to cite a game correctly, making your work look professional and well-researched.
Why Citing a Game Matters
Why is it important to cite a game, you might ask? Well, think of it like this: when you use someone else’s ideas in your writing, you need to give them credit. It’s the same with games! They’re created by talented people – artists, programmers, writers, and musicians – all working together. Citing a game is about acknowledging their hard work. It also helps readers find the game you mentioned, if they want to play it too.
- Giving Credit: Just like giving credit to a book author, you give credit to the game developers.
- Supporting Research: If you’re using a game to back up a point in your paper, proper citations show you did your homework.
- Helping Others Find the Game: Readers will know exactly which game you are talking about and can find it easily.
- Avoiding Plagiarism: Claiming someone else’s work (like a game) as your own is not okay, citing the game avoids any questions about that.
So, whether you’re writing a school essay, a college research paper, or even a blog post about your favorite game, knowing how to cite it correctly is crucial.
The Essential Elements of a Game Citation
Just like a book has an author, title, and publisher, a game has similar details you need to include in your citation. These details help everyone identify the exact game you are referencing. The key elements you need to include are:
- Title of the Game: This is the most important part! Write the full title exactly as it appears on the game cover or in the game itself.
- Developer(s): The company or person(s) who created the game. Sometimes, there are multiple developers.
- Publisher(s): The company that distributed the game. This is often, but not always, the same as the developer.
- Release Date: The year (and sometimes the month and day) when the game was released. This can be important if a game has multiple versions or re-releases.
- Platform(s): The game console or system it was released on (e.g., PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile).
These elements ensure clarity and precision when referencing a game. They help the reader understand exactly which game and version is being discussed.
Different Citation Styles
There are different ways to format your citations, just like there are different ways to write an essay. The most common ones you will come across are:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Often used in literature, arts, and humanities.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Typically used in social sciences, education, and psychology.
- Chicago/Turabian: Common in history and some other disciplines.
- IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Used in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields.
The style you need to use will usually be specified by your teacher, professor, or the publication guidelines. Let’s look at how a game citation looks in each of these styles.
MLA Style Game Citation
MLA style prioritizes the author or creator of the work. When citing a game, the developer takes the position of the author. Here’s how it works:
The basic format is:
Developer(s). Title of the Game. Publisher(s), Release Date.
Example:
Nintendo. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo, 2017.
When you have multiple developers, you can list them separated by commas. If there are more than two, you can use “et al.” which means “and others” after the first developer mentioned. For instance:
Example:
Rockstar North. Grand Theft Auto V. Rockstar Games, 2013.
When citing from a specific platform:
Example:
Nintendo. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo, 2017. Nintendo Switch.
Key points to remember when using MLA style:
- Italicize the game title.
- Include the publisher.
- Include the release year.
- List the platform only when necessary (e.g. if it’s platform specific)
APA Style Game Citation
APA style, often used in social sciences, focuses more on the date of publication. Here’s how to format your game citation in APA:
The basic format is:
Developer(s). (Year). Title of the game [Platform]. Publisher(s).
Example:
Nintendo. (2017). The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild [Nintendo Switch]. Nintendo.
Here’s an example with multiple developers:
Example:
Rockstar North. (2013). Grand Theft Auto V [PlayStation 3]. Rockstar Games.
Key points to remember when using APA style:
- Use parentheses for the year.
- Italicize the game title.
- Include the platform in square brackets.
- Include the publisher.
Chicago/Turabian Style Game Citation
Chicago/Turabian style often uses footnotes or endnotes for citations. However, the basic format is still important. Here’s how you would cite a game:
The basic format is:
Developer(s), Title of the Game, Platform (Publisher(s), Release Date).
Example:
Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo Switch (Nintendo, 2017).
Here’s an example with multiple developers:
Example:
Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V, PlayStation 3 (Rockstar Games, 2013).
Key points to remember when using Chicago/Turabian style:
- Italicize the game title.
- Include the platform.
- Include the publisher and release year in parentheses.
IEEE Style Game Citation
IEEE style is a numbered citation style, typically used in technical fields. Here’s how you would format a game citation in IEEE:
The basic format is:
[#] Title of the Game, Developer(s), Platform(s), Publisher(s), Release Date.
Example:
[1] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo, 2017.
Here’s an example with multiple developers:
Example:
[2] Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar North, PlayStation 3, Rockstar Games, 2013.
Key points to remember when using IEEE style:
- Number your citations in the order they appear.
- Italicize the game title.
- Include the developer, platform, publisher, and release date.
Where to Find Game Information
Finding the information you need to cite a game might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here are some reliable places to check:
- Game Cover: The box or packaging for the game usually lists the game title, developer, publisher, and release date.
- Game Case: Similar to the cover, the game case usually provides all the necessary details.
- In-Game Credits: Many games have a credits section that lists the people and companies involved in its creation.
- Official Game Website: The official website for the game will always have accurate details about its developers, publisher, release date and platform.
- Reliable Gaming Websites: Websites like IGN, GameSpot, and Metacritic usually have reliable information about games.
Always double-check the information to ensure accuracy, especially when using online sources.
Citing Different Game Formats
Games come in various formats—physical copies, digital downloads, online browser games, and even mobile apps. Here’s how to approach citing these different formats:
Physical Games (Disc or Cartridge)
These are the most straightforward to cite. You can usually find all the required information on the game cover, the game box, or in the accompanying manual.
Here’s an example using the MLA format:
Nintendo. Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo, 2017.
Digital Download Games
Digital games can be trickier because you don’t have a physical copy. Look for game information in the game’s store page on platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Nintendo eShop.
Example using APA format:
Mojang Studios. (2011). Minecraft [PC]. Mojang Studios.
Online/Browser Games
For online browser games, you might need to find the developer and publisher details on the game’s website. Also, include the URL for easy access.
Example using Chicago format:
Agame, Fireboy and Watergirl: The Forest Temple, Online Game (Agame, 2010), https://www.agame.com/game/fireboy-and-watergirl-the-forest-temple.
Mobile Games
Mobile games are usually found in the App Store or Google Play Store. You will usually find details about the developer and publisher on the app store page.
Example using IEEE format:
[1] Monument Valley, ustwo games, iOS, ustwo games, 2014.
When Things Get Tricky
Sometimes, you’ll encounter a game citation situation that doesn’t fit the standard rules. Here’s what you should do when that happens:
- No Developer or Publisher Listed: If you can’t find the developer or publisher, you can sometimes omit that information, or in some cases, you may need to use “n.p.” which stands for “no publisher” or “no place.”
- Multiple Release Dates: If the game has been rereleased, it is best to cite the first release date, or the version you have used in your research.
- Multiple Platforms: If a game is available on multiple platforms, list all the platforms that are relevant to your work, or the specific platform you’re referencing.
- Unclear Information: If you’re unsure about some details, check multiple sources and use the most reliable one. It is better to use a reputable website such as the game’s official site, or a reputable video game information site.
It might require a bit more digging, but accurate citations are always worth the effort.
Keeping it Consistent
Once you’ve chosen a citation style, stick with it throughout your entire paper. Mixing styles can make your work look unprofessional and confuse your reader. Make a note or create a checklist of the citation style you are using, so that you are consistent throughout. Also, check your work and sources to ensure all the information is correct and consistent.
Citing a game correctly is a simple yet important step in any piece of academic or informational writing. It gives credit where it’s due and strengthens your work. Now that you know how to cite a game properly, you’re all set to include your favorite titles in your papers and articles with confidence!
do not cite the old words to me, i was there when they were written #gaming
Final Thoughts
To cite a game, you must include the game’s title, developer, publisher, and release year. Specific formats differ, so consult style guides like APA or MLA. Usually, the platform, such as PC or PlayStation, becomes a useful addition.
Remember to italicize the game title. When citing online games, provide the URL and date you accessed it. Always check for any specific citation requirements of your academic institution or publication. Knowing how to cite a game correctly is a must for credible work.
