How to Cite a Screenshot from a Video Game in MLA Format- A Comprehensive Guide

How to MLA Cite a Screenshot of a Video Game

In the digital age, video games have become an integral part of popular culture and academic research. As such, it is essential to know how to properly cite a screenshot of a video game in MLA format. Proper citation not only gives credit to the creators but also ensures that your work is academically credible. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a screenshot of a video game in MLA style.

Firstly, it is important to understand that a screenshot is considered a visual source. Therefore, it should be cited in the Works Cited list and may also be referenced in the text. The following steps will help you in citing a screenshot of a video game in MLA format:

1. Identify the Video Game and Screenshot:
– Title of the Video Game: The title should be italicized and written in title case.
– Screenshot: A screenshot is a visual representation of a scene or moment from the game.

2. Author (if available):
– If the video game has a credited author, include their name in the citation. If not, omit this part.

3. Publisher and Publication Date:
– Include the name of the publisher and the year of release. If the game was not published, you can leave this section blank.

4. Works Cited Entry:
– Format the Works Cited entry with the following structure:
“`
Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Screenshot.” Title of the Video Game, Publisher, Publication Date. Medium of Publication.
“`
– Example:
“`
Smith, John. “Game Over Scene.” The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo, 2017. Video Game.
“`

5. In-text Citation:
– When referencing the screenshot in your text, use parentheses to include the author’s last name and the page number (if applicable). If the author’s name is already mentioned in the text, you can omit it from the parentheses.
– Example:
“`
In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the game over scene is a powerful moment that leaves a lasting impression (Smith).
“`

6. Image Format:
– If you are submitting a paper with screenshots, make sure to include the image in the appropriate format (e.g., JPEG, PNG). You may also need to provide a caption for the image, which should be placed below the image and formatted as follows:
“`
Figure 1. Game Over Scene from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. (Smith)
“`

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are citing a screenshot of a video game in MLA format correctly. Remember that proper citation is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the creators of the video game.