Introduction:
Video games have become an integral part of modern life, and game developers are constantly looking for new ways to create engaging and immersive experiences. One important aspect of creating a successful video game is citing sources effectively, especially when it comes to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). In this guide, we’ll explore how to properly cite a video game using the CMS format.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):
The CMS is a widely used style manual that provides guidelines for citing sources in academic writing. The Chicago Manual of Style has been around since 1906 and is used by many universities, libraries, and academic institutions. In the CMS, there are specific guidelines for citing video games, which we will discuss in detail below.
Citing a Video Game Using the CMS:
There are several components to citing a video game using the CMS format. These include the title of the game, the publisher, the year of publication, and any other relevant information. Here is an example of what a properly formatted citation might look like:
Title of the Game. Publisher, Year of Publication.
In some cases, you may need to include additional information in your citation. For instance, if the game was released in multiple languages or on different platforms, you would need to include that information as well. Here’s an example of a more complex citation:
Title of the Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Publisher, Year of Publication. Platform/Language.
Another important aspect of citing a video game using the CMS format is including any in-game elements that are significant to your analysis, such as quotes or specific events. Here’s an example of how you might include a quote from a game in your citation:
Title of the Game. Publisher, Year of Publication. “Quote.”
It’s also important to note that if you’re citing a game as part of a larger research project or analysis, you may need to include additional information in your citation, such as the author(s) of the analysis or the specific section of the game that you’re referencing.
Case Study: Citing a Video Game in an Academic Paper
Let’s take a look at an example of how you might cite a video game in an academic paper using the CMS format. In this case, we’ll be looking at a paper on the impact of video games on mental health.
Title: The Impact of Video Games on Mental Health: A Literature Review
Author: Smith, J.
Publisher: Journal of Mental Health Research, 2021
In this paper, Smith discusses the various studies and research that have been conducted on the impact of video games on mental health. One study that Smith cites is a 2006 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, which looked at the effects of violent video games on aggression levels in young people.
Smith, J. (2021). The Impact of Video Games on Mental Health: A Literature Review. Journal of Mental Health Research, 1(1), 1-10.
In this case, Smith includes the title of the study, the author’s last name and first initial, the year of publication, the title of the journal, the volume number, and the page numbers of the study.
Summary:
Citing a video game using the Chicago Manual of Style format can be a complex process, but with a little practice and attention to detail, it’s possible to create effective and accurate citations that meet the requirements of academic writing.
