Introduction

In today’s digital age, video games have become an integral part of our daily lives. From educational games to action-packed adventures, video games are now used in a variety of fields, including entertainment, education, and healthcare.

Why Citation Matters

Citation is an essential part of academic writing and research. It provides credit to the original author of a work and allows readers to locate and verify the information presented in the article. In the case of video games, proper citation is particularly important for a number of reasons:

1. Originality: Video games are often created by teams of designers, writers, artists, and programmers who work together to bring their vision to life. By properly citing the sources used in your research, you can demonstrate that your work is original and not simply relying on existing works.



2. Accuracy: Video games can be complex and nuanced, with many different elements contributing to their overall experience. By citing the relevant sources, you can ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date.
3. Credibility: Proper citation lends credibility to your work and demonstrates that you have done your research. This can be particularly important for video game developers who are seeking to establish themselves as experts in their field.
4. Legal Issues: In some cases, proper citation may be required by law or contract. For example, if you are using copyrighted materials from a video game in your own work, you will need to obtain permission and properly cite the source.

   How to Cite a Video Game APA 7

   The American Psychological Association (APA) is the most widely used citation style in the social sciences and humanities. While there are no specific guidelines for citing video games in APA format, you can adapt the general rules of the style to suit your needs. Here are some tips on how to cite a video game APA 7:

   1. Begin with the author’s name: If the game has an identifiable author, begin the citation by listing their last name, followed by a comma and the initials of their first and middle names (if applicable). For example: Smith, J.
   2. Include the title of the game: Next, list the full title of the game in italics, followed by a comma. Be sure to include any subtitles or additional information that may be relevant. For example: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
   3. List the publication date: After the title of the game, list the year it was published, enclosed in parentheses. For example: (2017).
   4. Include the platform: If the game is available on multiple platforms (such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC), list the platform(s) on which it can be accessed, separated by commas. For example: (PlayStation 4/Nintendo Switch/PC).
   5. Provide additional information: Depending on the context of your research, you may need to include additional information about the game, such as the developer, publisher, or genre. Be sure to use commas to separate these elements. For example: (Developed by Nintendo; published by Nintendo; adventure game).

   Example Citation:

   Smith, J. (2017). The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. (PlayStation 4/Nintendo Switch/PC).

   Citing Different Types of Games

   There are many different types of video games, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. Here are some tips on how to cite different types of games in APA format: