Introduction:

Are you a video game developer looking to create an academic paper that incorporates references to your games? Or perhaps you’re a student working on a research project that involves analyzing the impact of video games on society? In either case, you need to know how to cite a video game in MLA format. This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions for citing video games in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, along with tips and tricks to help you create a professional and polished reference list.

What is MLA Format?

Before we dive into how to cite a video game in MLA format, it’s important to understand what MLA format is. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is an organization that provides guidelines for writing academic papers in the humanities, including literature, history, and art. MLA format is a widely used style for citing sources in academic writing, with clear and concise rules for formatting text, citations, and reference lists.

When Citing Video Games in MLA Format:

When it comes to citing video games in MLA format, you need to be aware of the specific guidelines that apply to this type of source. Unlike other types of sources, such as books or articles, there are no set rules for citing video games in MLA format. However, there are some general principles you should follow when citing a game in this style:

1. Start with the Basic Information:

The first step is to include the basic information about the game you want to cite, such as the title, author, and publication date. For example, if you’re citing Super Mario Bros., you might include information like this:

Title of Game. Creator(s). Publisher. Publication Date.

2. Provide Additional Details:

Next, you can provide additional details about the game, such as the platform it was released for (e.g. Nintendo Entertainment System), the genre (e.g. action-adventure), and any notable features or achievements. Here’s an example of how this might look:

Title of Game. Creator(s). Publisher. Publication Date. Platform, Genre, Notable Features/Achievements.

3. Use Parenthetical Citations:

When you cite a game in MLA format, you need to use parenthetical citations to indicate where the information came from. This typically involves including the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found. For example:

Title of Game. Creator(s). Publisher. Publication Date. Platform, Genre, Notable Features/Achievements.

Smith 10-15.

4. Create a Works Cited Page:

Finally, you need to create a Works Cited page that lists all the sources you cited in your paper, including any games you referenced. This is where you’ll provide more detailed information about each source, such as the author’s full name, the title of the work, and the publication date. Here’s an example of what this might look like:

Smith, John. Super Mario Bros. Nintendo Entertainment System. 1985. Creator(s). Publisher. Publication Date. Platform, Genre, Notable Features/Achievements.

Tips and Tricks for Citing Video Games in MLA Format:

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to cite a video game in MLA format, here are some tips and tricks to help you create a professional and polished reference list:

1. Be Consistent: When it comes to citing video games in MLA format, consistency is key. Make sure you follow the same guidelines for all the games you reference, using the same basic information, parenthetical citations, and Works Cited page format.
2. Use Primary Sources Carefully: If you’re citing a game that was created by someone else (i.e. not yourself), make sure you use primary sources carefully.