How to Cite a Video Game in MLA
Have you ever wondered how to properly cite a video game in an academic paper? Whether you’re a student writing a research paper or a professional creating a report, citing video games is becoming increasingly common. However, since video games are a relatively new medium, there are no universal rules for citation. Fortunately, the Modern Language Association (MLA) has developed guidelines for citing video games in academic writing.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cite a video game in MLA format. We will discuss the different elements of a video game citation, including the title, developer, publisher, release date, and platform. We will also provide examples of video game citations in MLA format. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and skills to properly cite video games in your academic writing.
MLA Video Game Citation Format
When citing a video game in MLA format, you will need to include the following elements:
- Title of the game
- Name of the developer
- Name of the publisher
- Release date
- Platform
The elements should be listed in the following order:
**Title of the Game**
The title of the game should be italicized.
**Name of the Developer**
The name of the developer should be listed after the title of the game, separated by a comma.
**Name of the Publisher**
The name of the publisher should be listed after the name of the developer, separated by a comma.
**Release Date**
The release date of the game should be listed after the name of the publisher, separated by a comma.
**Platform**
The platform on which the game was released should be listed after the release date, separated by a period.
Here is an example of a video game citation in MLA format:
Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo, October 27, 2017, Nintendo Switch.
MLA Video Game Citation Examples
Here are some additional examples of video game citations in MLA format:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo, March 3, 2017, Nintendo Switch.
- Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games, October 26, 2018, PlayStation 4.
- Minecraft, Mojang Studios, May 17, 2009, PC.
Tips for Citing Video Games in MLA Format
Here are some tips for citing video games in MLA format:
- If the game has multiple developers or publishers, list them all.
- If the game has been released on multiple platforms, list all of the platforms.
- If you are citing a specific version of a game, such as a director’s cut or an expansion pack, include the version number in the citation.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your video game citations are accurate and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About MLA Video Game Citations
Here are some frequently asked questions about MLA video game citations:
Q: What is the correct way to cite a video game that is still in development?
A: To cite a video game that is still in development, you can use the following format:
Title of the Game, Developer, Release Date (Expected), Platform.
Q: What is the correct way to cite a video game that has been released on multiple platforms?
A: To cite a video game that has been released on multiple platforms, you can list all of the platforms in the citation. For example:
Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo, October 27, 2017, Nintendo Switch, Wii U.
Q: What is the correct way to cite a video game that has been released as both a physical and digital copy?
A: To cite a video game that has been released as both a physical and digital copy, you can include both formats in the citation. For example:
Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar Games, September 17, 2013, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC (physical and digital).
Conclusion
Citing video games in MLA format is a relatively simple process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your video game citations are accurate and complete. By properly citing your sources, you can give credit to the creators of the video games you are referencing and avoid plagiarism.
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