How do I cite a video game in MLA?

To cite a video game in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What is the MLA format for a video game citation?

The MLA format for a video game is: Title of Game. Directed by Director, Developer / Publisher, Year. Platform.

What does the in-text citation look like for a video game in MLA?

In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Title of Game)

How to Cite a Video Game in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite video games and interactive game software in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing a video game in your Works Cited page:

Title of Game. Directed by Director, Developer / Publisher, Year. Platform.

MLA Example for a Video Game

A complete MLA reference for a video game, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Tessellate Studio. Archive of Lost Books. Version 1.6, Tessellate Studio, 2022. Video game.

Matching in-text citation: (Tessellate Studio)

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Title of Game)

Narrative

In Title of Game, the player...

Key MLA Formatting Rules

Italicize the title of the game.
Credit the lead creator with "Directed by" (or another role label) when one is named.
List the developer and publisher (separated by a slash if both apply) and the year.
Name the platform you played on at the end (e.g. PlayStation 5 game).

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your video game.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: mla.csl

Editorial sources

MLA Style Center — works cited →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a video game in MLA?: To cite a video game in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the MLA format for a video game citation?: The MLA format for a video game is: Title of Game. Directed by Director, Developer / Publisher, Year. Platform.
What does the in-text citation look like for a video game in MLA?: In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Title of Game)