English language learners may find the laws regarding when to use italics confusing. This article will show you how to cite video games in formal writing. It also explains how the styles differ.
Video Game Titles Are Italicized
Italics are used most often for Chicago, APA, MLA and Chicago styles. It may also be in quotation marks in MLA. Italics are not allowed in AP Style. In APA, Chicago, or MLA, you can also use italics for board games.
It is vital to know how to properly cite videogames in academic writing. There are two options for citing video games: in-text, or at the end.
MLA Style allows you to use italics if the videogame is mentioned as a separate program in the text.
If it is mentioned on a reference, however, you will need to use italics. Some institutions may also require that you use quotation marks for the game title.
This is how to reference a text in MLA.
Developer, title (initals), distributor. Year, platform
Here’s an MLA reference to a videogame:
– Pac-Man was the most beloved video game of its era. (in-text)
– The classic video game, Pac Man, is still a much-loved favorite. Atari, 1982. (Reference list)
– Firaxis Games. Sid Meier’s Civilization III. Take two Interactive. 2001. (Reference list)
Firaxis Games: “Sid Meier’s Civilization III” Take Two Interactive, 2001, Computer. (Reference list)
The APA Style guide says that books, films, and other standalone works should be written in italics.
APA Format Developer (Year Published). Title of the Game [Videogame]. Location: Publisher.
This is how it looks:
– Sid Meier’s Civilization III, 2001 wasn’t as enjoyable by players. (In-text)
Firaxis Games, a game developer, launched in 2001. Sid Meier’s Civilization III is a computer game..|Sid Meier’s Civilization III Video game.|Sid Meier’s Civilization III Videogame.|Sid Meier’s Civilization III Videogame.|Sid Meier Videogame Civilization III} Atari Europe, which is located in France. (Referencing list)
Are Video Game Titles Quoted?
Video games cannot be placed in quotation marks within APA Style. MLA Style can allow for video game titles to appear in quotation marks at a text’s end.
According to the 8th Edition MLA Styleguide, video games are not allowed to be in-text. They should, however, be listed on the last reference page in quotation marks.
Video Game Titles in APA Style Italicized?
Italics should be used for video game titles in APA Style. On the bibliography, you must also add any computer programs used or Video gaming after the title to indicate that it is a video game.|To indicate it is a videogame, add “computer software” or “video game” to the reference list.|In order to indicate that the title is a videogame on the reference list you should also include computer software and video games after it.|You must add “computer software” after the title in order to indicate that it’s a video game.|For video games, it is necessary to add the words “computer software” or “videogame” after the title.}
Additionally, the title of the game should not be written in capital letters unless it is a proper noun.
These are the APA formats:
– Developer, (Year Released). Title of the Game [Videogame]. Location: Publisher.
A citation should look something like this:
– Call of Duty (2003) was voted the most realistic video game. (In-text)
Infinity Ward (2003) has created a revolutionary new game that has changed the gaming industry. The popular video game, Call of Duty.|Call of Duty videogame.|Call of Duty videogame.|Call of duty “video game”.|Call of Duty videogame.} USA: Activision. (Reference list)
Video Game Titles in AP Style Italicized?
News agencies and media mainly use AP Style when reporting news. This is why it’s rare for news organizations to use AP Style to report the news. Instead, they use in-text references to reference sources.
Italics are not required in AP Style. However, the video game title must be placed in quotation marks.
– The videogame “Grand Theft Auto”, has been a source of great controversy.
– “Donkey Kong” was a worldwide hit in the 1980s.
Video Game Titles Italicized Chicago Style
It is important to use italics when referencing a videogame in Chicago Style. This is for the in-text citation as well as the reference list.
Here’s how to list a Chicago Style game:
A company that produces films. Title of the game. Version. Release year and production company. Platform.
This would be a Chicago Style reference to a videogame.
Super Mario Bros (1983), a Nintendo platform game, was one the most successful of its time. – (In-text)
– Nintendo. Super Mario Bros. Nintendo. 1983. Nintendo. – (Reference list)
Video Game Titles in MLA Style Italicized?
MLA Style calls for italics in the name of video games, both for reference lists and in-text quotations.
This is how a videogame should look in MLA Style.
Developer, title (initals), distributor. Year, platform.
This is the MLA Style reference for video games:
Settlers IV, a popular role-playing video game, was a huge success. – (in-text)
Blue Byte. Settlers VII, Ubi Soft. 2001, USA. – (Reference list)
Blue Byte. “Settlers VI”, Ubi Soft. 2001. USA. – (Reference list)
Board Game Titles Are Italicized
The rules for board game are written in italics and may vary depending on the type of board game you play. Here is a short description of the rules in each style. It is possible for professors or institutions to modify the rules slightly. These rules may also be used for websites and board games.
APA – Board games titles should use italics in their in-text citations as well as on the reference lists. They should be in the same format as standalone works such as films or video games.
Monopoly: The Board Game. Hasbro, based in the United States
Chicago – Board Games should be governed by the same rules that films and books.
Monopoly: The Board Game. Hasbro, USA, (1980).
MLA (Multilingual American Standard) – This style has the same rules for board and video games. Board games titles should be written in italics.
Monopoly: The Board Game. Hasbro, USA, (1980).
AP – A board game can be referred to in AP style without using italics. This is an example in-text citation because there isn’t a comprehensive reference for all AP articles.
Monopoly can be enjoyed worldwide for over 100 years.
Last Thoughts
Italics should be used for board and video game titles in APA, Chicago, MLA, and MLA style citations. It is not necessary to use italics for AP Style video and board game titles.