How to Cite a Game
Citing a game is quite different from citing a book or a journal article. Games are an increasingly popular form of entertainment, for both adults and children, and with more and more of them being made each year, it is important to cite them correctly so that readers can find the game’s original source. Here are the steps to follow when citing a game:
Find the Game’s Information
First, you need to find out the pertinent details about the game:
- Title: What is the full title of the game?
- Platform: On what system is the game played? (i.e. PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- Developer/Publisher: Who created the game?
- Release Date: When was the game first released?
- Location: Where is the game available? (i.e. Online stores like Steam, Amazon, etc.)
Once you have gathered all of the above information, you are ready to cite the game.
Cite the Game in Your Writing
The citation format for a game depends on which style you are using (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). Generally, you should include the title of the game, platform, developer, publisher, release date, and location. Here is an example using the MLA style:
- Game Title. Platform, developer and publisher, release date, location.
For example:
- The Last of Us. Playstation 4, Naughty Dog and Sony, 2013, Playstation Store.
You can also cite a game in your references or works cited page. The format for this is generally the same, but you may need to add additional information such as the version of the game (if applicable). For example:
- The Last of Us. Playstation 4, Naughty Dog and Sony, 2013, Playstation Store, Version 1.07.
Conclusion
Citing a game is not as simple as citing a book or a journal article, but it is an important part of writing any paper or article related to video games. Make sure you gather all the necessary information and use the right style in order to cite a game correctly.
