The Importance of Proper Citation

Proper citation is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the original creator of a work is given credit for their creation. This is an ethical issue, as plagiarism can harm the creator’s reputation and potential income. Secondly, proper citation helps avoid confusion between different sources of information. For example, if two people have created a video game with the same name, citing it properly will help readers understand which version they are referring to.

How to Cite a Video Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

When citing a video game, you should include the following information:

1. Title of the Game: This is the most important piece of information. It should be in title case, with major words capitalized and other words lowercased.
2. Publisher/Developer: If you are citing the publisher of a game, this should be included as well. For example, if you are citing “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” which was developed by Nintendo, you would include both the title and publisher information.
3. Publication Date: This is important for determining when the game was first released.
4. Platform: This refers to the platform on which the game was played, such as PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
5. URL/Accession Number (if applicable): If you are citing an online game, you should include the URL or accession number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Video Games

While it may be tempting to simply copy and paste information from a game’s manual or website, this can lead to inaccurate or improper citations. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Failing to include all required information: Remember to include the title, publisher/developer, publication date, platform, and URL/accession number (if applicable).
• Not using proper citation style: Different academic and professional writing styles require different formatting for citations. Make sure you are using the correct style guide for your project.
• Overemphasizing game information at the expense of other sources: While video games can be valuable resources, they should not be the only source used in a research paper or essay.
• Misinterpreting or misrepresenting information from a game: It’s important to remember that video games are works of fiction and may not always accurately represent real-world events or facts. Be cautious when using information from games as sources.

Case Studies in Citing Video Games

One way to learn how to properly cite a video game is by looking at examples of successful citations. Here are two case studies:

1. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”: This popular role-playing game, developed and published by CD Projekt Red, has been used as a source in numerous academic papers. In a study on the effects of video games on mental health, for example, researchers cited “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” as an example of a game that promotes empathy and emotional intelligence.
2. “Journey”: This critically acclaimed adventure game, developed by Thatgamecompany and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, has been used in research on the effects of video games on creativity and imagination. In a study on the impact of video games on the development of problem-solving skills, researchers cited “Journey” as an example of a game that encourages creative thinking and exploration.

Summary

Citing video games is an important aspect of proper academic and professional writing. By including all required information, using correct citation style, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively incorporate this valuable resource into your work. Remember to be cautious when using game information as a source, and always consider other sources to support your arguments.