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Are Video Game Titles Italicized? How To Properly Cite Video Games

Mentioning video games within an important paper may feel awkward due to their casual nature. As they are a part of our modern culture, we definitely shouldn't avoid mentioning them. Referencing popular culture is very common in many English or Writing classes, so knowing how to properly cite video games is very important.


Let's Dive Right In!


How to Cite Video Games in MLA Format


MLA header on a book

Follow this formula to correctly cite Video Games in MLA Format: Game Title. Version, Platform, Year of Release. Additional Information

Game Title

Enter the full Title of the Game. Don't forget to include any numbers and don't abbreviate. Make sure this is italicized.

Version

Insert the Version you accessed the game. This can either be a game mode or a specific update

Platform

This is the platform that you access the game, whether it's a console or a PC.

​Year of Release

​The year the video game came out

​Additional Information

If necessary, you can include designers, voice actors, or other people involved in the video game's production

Example:


Fortnite. Battle Royale Mode, PS4 Pro, 2018. Toprak, Pinar, composer.


How to Cite Video Games in APA Format


3D APA letters on a book

This is the format to successfully cite Video Games in the APA Format:


Title of Game [Video game]. (Year Released). Location: Publisher.

Title of Game

Insert the Title of the Video Game you are citing. Make sure after the title you put [Video Game].

​Year Released

Include the year the Video Game was released

​Location

​Do a quick Google search and find out the game publisher's location

​Publisher

Put the Game Publisher into the citation

Example:


God of War [Video game]. (2018). San Mateo, CA: Sony Interactive Entertainment.


How to Cite Video Games in Chicago Format


Chicago Book that showcases Chicago Format

Here's how you can successfully format Video Games in the Chicago Format:


Production Company. Title of Game. Version #. Production Company, Release Year. Platform. Other Information.

​Production Company

​The Production Company is who produced the game. It can be an individual or a company

​Title of Game

Then insert the Title of the Video Game you are citing. Make sure you italicize the title.

Version #

​Put the version you accessed the game. It can also be the most recent version.

​Release Year

Insert the year the Video Game was released

​Platform

Include the platform you access the game on (Whether that's PC, mobile or a particular console)

​Other Information

​If necessary, you can include designers, voice actors, or other people involved in the video game's production that you are citing

Example: Rovio Entertainment. Angry Birds Transformers. V. 1.4.25. Rovio Entertainment, 2014. Android 4.0 or later. Soundtrack by Vince DiCola and Kenny Meriedeth.

Closing Remarks


Mentioning video games in essays is a vital step in expressing our modern culture.


If you found this useful, don't be afraid to share this with a friend.

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