How to Reference a Video Game: A Comprehensive Guide
In the rapidly evolving digital age, video games have become an integral part of popular culture, education, and research. As a result, the need to reference video games in academic and professional settings has increased significantly. Whether you are writing a research paper, a review, or a presentation, knowing how to reference a video game correctly is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to reference a video game, ensuring that you adhere to the appropriate citation style and maintain academic integrity.
Understanding the Purpose of a Reference
Before diving into the specifics of how to reference a video game, it is essential to understand the purpose of a reference. A reference serves several functions, including:
1. Providing readers with the necessary information to locate the source.
2. Giving credit to the original creators and developers.
3. Establishing the context and credibility of your work.
Choosing the Right Citation Style
The first step in referencing a video game is to choose the appropriate citation style. Common citation styles include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Each style has its own guidelines for referencing video games. Below, we will discuss how to reference a video game in each of these styles.
APA Citation Style
In APA citation style, a video game reference typically includes the following elements:
1. Author(s) of the game: Include the names of the game’s designers, writers, and artists.
2. Title of the game: Use quotation marks around the title.
3. Publisher: Include the name of the company that published the game.
4. Publication year: Provide the year the game was released.
5. Platform: Mention the platform on which the game was released (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC).
Example: Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2019). “The Game of Thrones” (Video game). Bethesda Softworks.
MLA Citation Style
In MLA citation style, a video game reference follows a similar format:
1. Author(s) of the game: Include the names of the game’s designers, writers, and artists.
2. Title of the game: Use quotation marks around the title.
3. Publisher: Include the name of the company that published the game.
4. Publication year: Provide the year the game was released.
Example: Smith, John, and Alice Doe. “The Game of Thrones.” Bethesda Softworks, 2019.
Chicago Citation Style
In Chicago citation style, a video game reference includes the following information:
1. Author(s) of the game: Include the names of the game’s designers, writers, and artists.
2. Title of the game: Use quotation marks around the title.
3. Publisher: Include the name of the company that published the game.
4. Publication year: Provide the year the game was released.
5. Medium: Indicate that the source is a video game.
Example: Smith, John, and Alice Doe. “The Game of Thrones.” Video game, Bethesda Softworks, 2019.
Harvard Citation Style
In Harvard citation style, a video game reference follows this format:
1. Author(s) of the game: Include the names of the game’s designers, writers, and artists.
2. Title of the game: Use quotation marks around the title.
3. Publisher: Include the name of the company that published the game.
4. Publication year: Provide the year the game was released.
Example: Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2019). The Game of Thrones. Bethesda Softworks.
Additional Considerations
When referencing a video game, keep the following in mind:
1. If the game has multiple versions or sequels, be sure to specify which version you are referencing.
2. If the game has been remastered or re-released, include this information in your reference.
3. If you are referencing a specific element within the game, such as a character or a scene, provide this detail in your reference.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively reference a video game in your academic or professional work. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your institution or publication to ensure that you are adhering to the correct citation style.
