Here are the steps to follow for citing a quote from a game in MLA format:
For example, a citation for a quote from the game “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” on the Nintendo Switch platform, developed by Nintendo and published in 2017, could look like this:
“The adventure allowed me to see what was possible.” (“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (Nintendo Switch), Nintendo, 2017, https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-switch/)
Remember that proper citation is not only important for avoiding plagiarism, but it also gives credit to the original creators and enhances the credibility of your writing. By following these simple steps, you can easily cite quotes from games in MLA format.
1. Identify the source of the quote, whether it’s the game title, level name, or character dialogue.
2. Determine the platform of the game and include it in the citation. For example: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, etc.
3. Note the publisher and release date of the game. This information can usually be found on the game’s packaging or on the internet.
4. Use the format: “Quote” (Game Title, Level or Character Name).
5. For online sources or downloaded games, include the URL or digital distributor name in the citation.
Understanding MLA Style Guidelines for Game Quotes
When writing a research paper or academic document that focuses on video games, it is important to understand how to properly cite quotes from the games. Using the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style offers a uniform and organized approach to citing game quotes. MLA offers guidelines for all types of sources, including video games. Citing a game quote in MLA format requires a specific set of guidelines to follow to ensure that the citation is accurate and reliable.
Including Game Quotes in Your Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
When incorporating game quotes into your research paper, it is essential to provide appropriate citation details to avoid plagiarism and give credibility to the source. The following is a step-by-step guide to citing game quotes in MLA format:
1. Identify the necessary information for the citation.
2. Format the title and version of the game.
3. Add the developer name and year of publication.
4. Determine whether to add a URL.
Identifying Necessary Information for MLA Citation of Game Quotes
To cite a game quote in MLA format, you must first identify the necessary information that should be included. The required information includes the title, version, developer, publication year, and URL. If all of this information is not available, then you may need to format the citation differently. Additionally, if you are citing a specific quote within a game, then you also need to know the chapter or level title and number.
Formatting the Title and Version of the Game
When formatting the title and version of the game in MLA citation style, the title should utilize italic font to make it stand out, while the version should not be italicized. For example: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (not italicized), with the PlayStation 4 version (not italicized). If the game has a subtitle, it should be included before the version.
Adding the Developer Name and Year of Publication
The developer name and year of publication should also be included in the citation. If the developer is known, then the name should be added after the version of the game, separated by a comma. For example: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, PlayStation 4 version, Activision, 2018. If the developer is unknown, then the publisher name can be used.
When and How to Use URL in Game Quote MLA Citations
If the game quote was obtained from an online source, then a URL should be included in the citation. If a stable or permanent URL is not available for the game, then use the homepage URL for the game developer or publisher instead. When including URLs, make sure they are clickable text and follow the following format: Accessed date, URL.
Top Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA Citation of Game Quotes
When citing game quotes in MLA format, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can lead to inaccurate citations or cause plagiarism issues. The top common mistakes to avoid are:
1. Not checking the correct format for the title and version of the game.
2. Forgetting to add the developer name or year of publication.
3. Using outdated URLs or failing to include URLs entirely.
4. Failing to identify the specific chapter or level of the game quote.
In conclusion, citing game quotes in MLA style can be challenging, but by following the steps, identifying necessary information, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create accurate and reliable citations. Always remember to double-check your citations and use credible sources to ensure that your work is academically sound.
