Introduction
As game developers, it’s essential that we understand how to cite our work properly.
This not only helps us avoid plagiarism, but also allows others to find and build upon our work. In this article, we’ll explore the Chicago style of citation for video games, including examples and tips for effectively implementing this style in your work.
What is the Chicago Style of Citation?
The Chicago style of citation is a widely used system for referencing sources in academic writing. It was first developed by the University of Chicago’s Library and is now commonly used in many fields, including history, literature, and social sciences.
Why is it important for game developers to cite their work?
Citing your work properly is essential for several reasons. First, it allows you to give proper credit to any sources that you have used in your project. This not only shows respect for the original creators of the information, but also helps to avoid plagiarism. Second, citing your work can help others find and build upon your work. This can be especially important for game developers who are working on a project with a team or collaborating with other developers.
What are the main components of a Chicago style citation for video games?
The main components of a Chicago style citation for video games include the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and a summary or abstract of the work. In addition, the Chicago style of citation includes in-text citations that refer to specific points within the text.
Who should use the Chicago style of citation?
The Chicago style of citation is commonly used in many fields, including history, literature, and social sciences. However, it can also be useful for game developers who are looking to present their work in a scholarly manner. In addition, many publishers and academic institutions require the use of the Chicago style of citation, so it’s important for game developers to be familiar with this citation style.
What are the main benefits of using the Chicago style of citation?
The main benefits of using the Chicago style of citation include:
- Providing proper credit to the original source of information
- Avoiding plagiarism
- Helping others find and build upon your work
- Enhancing the credibility of your project
What are the main drawbacks of using the Chicago style of citation?
The main drawbacks of using the Chicago style of citation include:
- Requiring additional time and effort to properly cite sources
- Being more complex than other citation styles
- Requiring a greater level of attention to detail
What are some common mistakes when citing video games in the Chicago style?
Some common mistakes when citing video games in the Chicago style include:
- Failing to properly cite all sources used in the project
- Using incorrect formatting for in-text citations and works cited page entries
- Not including a summary or abstract of the work
- Incorrectly using quotations from the game
What are some real-life examples of correctly citing video games in the Chicago style?
To help illustrate how to properly cite video games in the Chicago style, let’s look at some real-life examples.
Example 1: Citing a video game with a single author
In this example, we are citing a single-author video game, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” by CD Projekt Red.
In-text citation
“CD Projekt Red. *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.* CD Projekt Red, 2015.”
Works cited page entry
CD Projekt Red. *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.* CD Projekt Red, 2015.
Summary or abstract
In the works cited page entry for “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” it might be helpful to include a summary or abstract of the game. For example:
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. Set in the world of The Witcher, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his missing daughter and battles against various monsters and adversaries.”
Quotations from the game
When citing quotations from a video game, it’s important to include the page number or screen shot where the quote can be found. For example:
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features an incredibly immersive world with a wide variety of quests and side missions. As Geralt, players must make difficult decisions that will impact the story and the fate of the characters in the game.” (p. 50)
Example 2: Citing a video game with multiple authors
In this example, we are citing a multiplayer video game, “Fortnite” by Epic Games.
In-text citation
“Epic Games. *Fortnite.* Epic Games, 2017.”
Works cited page entry
Epic Games. *Fortnite.* Epic Games, 2017.
Example 3: Citing a video game with no known author
In this example, we are citing a video game with an unknown author, “Minecraft” by Mojang.
In-text citation
“Mojang. *Minecraft.* Mojang, 2011.”
Works cited page entry
Mojang. *Minecraft.* Mojang, 2011.
Quotations from the game
When citing quotations from a video game with no known author, it’s important to use the title of the game as the author. For example:
“Minecraft features endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. One iconic quote from the game is ‘You have died.'” (p. 50)
Conclusion
In conclusion, correctly citing video games in the Chicago style requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the rules and formatting requirements.
