How To Cite Video Games Like A Pro: Your Ultimate Guide

Ever wondered how to cite video games properly? Whether you're writing an academic paper, crafting a blog post, or diving into game design theory, citing video games can be a bit tricky—but it doesn’t have to be. Video games are more than just entertainment; they’re cultural artifacts, storytelling masterpieces, and even research subjects. So, learning how to cite them correctly is a must if you want to give credit where it’s due.

In the world of academia and professional writing, citing sources is a big deal. And video games? Yeah, they count as legitimate sources now. With the rise of game studies and the increasing recognition of games as art, knowing how to cite video games properly is a skill worth mastering. Don’t worry, though—we’re here to break it down for you step by step.

From APA to MLA and beyond, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of citing video games. We’ll cover everything from the basics to the nitty-gritty details. So grab your controller—or pen—and let’s dive in!

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Why Citing Video Games Matters

Citing video games might seem like a niche topic, but it’s actually pretty important. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or even a casual writer, giving proper credit to the creators of the games you reference is essential. Think about it—video games are complex creations that involve teams of developers, designers, writers, and musicians. Not acknowledging their work is like ignoring the backbone of the gaming industry.

Plus, citing video games correctly adds credibility to your work. If you’re referencing a game to support an argument, it shows that you’ve done your homework. It also allows readers to explore the source themselves, which is always a good thing. Let’s face it: in today’s world, where gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry, treating games as valid sources is a no-brainer.

Understanding the Basics of Citation

Before we get into the specifics of how to cite video games, let’s talk about citation basics. Different fields use different citation styles, and each style has its own rules. The most common ones are APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE. Each of these styles has a unique way of formatting citations, so it’s important to know which one you’re working with.

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For example, APA (American Psychological Association) is often used in social sciences, while MLA (Modern Language Association) is popular in humanities. Chicago is great for history and literature, and IEEE is perfect for technical writing. Knowing the style you need will make the whole process smoother.

Common Citation Styles

• APA: Used in social sciences, psychology, and education.
• MLA: Preferred in humanities, literature, and language studies.
• Chicago: Ideal for history, arts, and journalism.
• IEEE: Common in engineering, computer science, and technical fields.

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s move on to the specifics of citing video games in each style.

How to Cite Video Games in APA

In APA style, citing video games involves including key details like the game title, developer, publisher, release date, and platform. Here’s how it looks:

Game Title. (Year). [Video game]. Developer: Publisher. Platform.

For example:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. (2017). [Video game]. Nintendo EPD: Nintendo. Nintendo Switch.

See? Not too complicated. Just make sure you include all the necessary information so your readers can track down the game if they want to.

APA Tips and Tricks

• Always italicize the game title.
• Include the platform if it’s relevant to your discussion.
• If the developer and publisher are the same, only list the name once.

APA might seem strict, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Plus, most citation generators support APA, so you can always double-check your work.

How to Cite Video Games in MLA

In MLA style, citing video games is a bit different. Here’s the format:

Developer. Game Title. Publisher, Year, Platform.

For example:

Nintendo EPD. Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo, 2017, Nintendo Switch.

Notice how the developer comes first in MLA? That’s because MLA emphasizes the creator’s role. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.

MLA Best Practices

• Italicize the game title, but not the developer or publisher.
• If the game has multiple platforms, you can list them all or just the one you’re referencing.
• Be consistent with your formatting throughout your document.

MLA might feel a little less rigid than APA, but it’s still important to follow the rules. After all, consistency is key when it comes to citations.

How to Cite Video Games in Chicago

Chicago style offers two options: author-date and footnote/bibliography. For author-date, the format looks like this:

Developer. Year. Game Title. Publisher. Platform.

For example:

Nintendo EPD. 2017. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo. Nintendo Switch.

If you’re using footnotes, the format changes slightly:

Developer, Game Title (Publisher, Year), Platform.

For example:

Nintendo EPD, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, 2017), Nintendo Switch.

Chicago Style Insights

• Choose the format that works best for your project.
• Make sure to include all relevant details, especially if the game has multiple editions or versions.
• Footnotes can be a great way to add extra context or commentary.

Chicago style is flexible, which can be a blessing and a curse. Just make sure you stick to one format throughout your document to avoid confusion.

How to Cite Video Games in IEEE

IEEE style is a bit different from the others, but it’s still pretty straightforward. Here’s the format:

[Number] Developer, Game Title, Publisher, Year. [Video game]. Platform.

For example:

[1] Nintendo EPD, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo, 2018. [Video game]. Nintendo Switch.

Notice the number at the beginning? That’s because IEEE uses a numbered system for citations. It’s especially useful for technical documents where you might reference the same source multiple times.

IEEE Tips and Tricks

• Always include the number at the beginning of the citation.
• Keep your list of references organized and in order.
• Use the platform only if it’s relevant to your discussion.

IEEE might take some getting used to, but it’s a great choice for technical writing. Plus, the numbered system makes it easy to reference sources multiple times without repeating yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Citing video games isn’t rocket science, but there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Forgetting to include the platform or release date.
• Mixing up the developer and publisher names.
• Not italicizing the game title where required.

These might seem like small details, but they can make a big difference in the accuracy of your citation. Always double-check your work, and if you’re unsure, consult the official guidelines for your chosen citation style.

Tools to Help You Cite Video Games

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—there are plenty of tools out there to help you cite video games correctly. Citation generators like EasyBib, Cite This For Me, and Zotero can save you a ton of time and effort. Just plug in the details, and voilà—you’ve got a perfectly formatted citation.

Of course, these tools aren’t foolproof, so it’s always a good idea to double-check their output against the official guidelines. But hey, any tool that makes your life easier is worth using, right?

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to citing video games. Whether you’re working with APA, MLA, Chicago, or IEEE, the key is to include all the necessary details and follow the rules of your chosen style. Remember, citing video games isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about giving credit to the talented creators who bring these games to life.

Now that you know how to cite video games like a pro, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a blog post, or just referencing a game in conversation, you’ve got the skills to do it right. So go ahead, cite those games, and show the world how much you know!

And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to take their citation game to the next level. Now go out there and cite those games like a champ!

Table of Contents

• Why Citing Video Games Matters
• Understanding the Basics of Citation
• How to Cite Video Games in APA
• How to Cite Video Games in MLA
• How to Cite Video Games in Chicago
• How to Cite Video Games in IEEE
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Tools to Help You Cite Video Games
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways