Are Video Game Names Italicized? A Dive into the World of Typographical Conventions

The question of whether video game names should be italicized is one that has sparked considerable debate among writers, editors, and gamers alike. While the answer may seem straightforward to some, the reality is that it depends on the context in which the game name is being used. This article will explore the various perspectives on this topic, examining the rules of grammar, the conventions of different style guides, and the evolving nature of language in the digital age.

The Grammar Perspective

From a purely grammatical standpoint, the rules for italicizing titles are relatively clear. In English, the titles of standalone works—such as books, movies, and albums—are typically italicized. This convention helps to distinguish the title from the surrounding text and signals to the reader that the title refers to a complete work. Video games, as standalone creative works, would logically fall under this category. Therefore, one could argue that video game names should indeed be italicized.

However, grammar is not always black and white. Some argue that video games are more akin to software or interactive experiences rather than traditional “works” like books or films. This perspective suggests that video game names might not require the same typographical treatment. After all, we don’t italicize the names of apps or software programs, so why should video games be any different?

Style Guide Conventions

The debate becomes even more nuanced when we consider the various style guides that writers and publishers follow. Different guides have different rules, and these rules can influence whether video game names are italicized.

• The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): CMS is one of the most widely used style guides in the publishing industry. According to CMS, the titles of video games should be italicized, just like the titles of books, movies, and other standalone works. This is the most traditional approach and is often followed in academic and professional writing.

• The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook: AP style, commonly used in journalism, takes a different approach. AP style does not italicize the titles of video games. Instead, it recommends placing the title in quotation marks. This is consistent with AP’s general approach to titles, which often uses quotation marks for shorter works like articles, songs, and episodes of TV shows.

• Modern Language Association (MLA) Style: MLA style, used primarily in academic writing, also italicizes the titles of video games. This aligns with MLA’s broader approach to italicizing the titles of standalone works.

• American Psychological Association (APA) Style: APA style, commonly used in the social sciences, follows a similar approach to CMS and MLA. Video game titles are italicized in APA style, reflecting the view that video games are standalone creative works.

The Digital Age and Evolving Conventions

As language and technology evolve, so too do the conventions surrounding typography. The rise of digital media has blurred the lines between traditional “works” and interactive experiences. Video games, in particular, occupy a unique space in this landscape. They are both creative works and software applications, which complicates the question of how their titles should be formatted.

Some argue that the conventions of italicizing titles are rooted in print media, where the physical distinction between text and title was more pronounced. In the digital age, where text is often hyperlinked or displayed in various fonts and styles, the need for italicization may be less critical. This has led some writers and publishers to adopt a more flexible approach, using italics, quotation marks, or even plain text depending on the context.

The Gamer’s Perspective

From the perspective of gamers, the question of italicization may seem trivial. After all, what matters most is the content of the game itself, not how its title is formatted in a piece of writing. However, for those who write about games—whether in reviews, essays, or academic papers—the question is more relevant. Consistency in formatting helps to maintain clarity and professionalism in writing, and gamers who are also writers may have strong opinions on the matter.

Some gamers argue that italicizing video game names gives them the respect they deserve as creative works. Others believe that quotation marks are more appropriate, as they signal that the title is a distinct entity within the text. Still, others prefer to use plain text, arguing that video games are simply too integrated into our daily lives to require special typographical treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether video game names should be italicized is not one with a definitive answer. It depends on the context in which the title is being used, the style guide being followed, and the writer’s personal preferences. While traditional style guides like CMS and MLA recommend italicizing video game titles, others like AP style prefer quotation marks. As language and technology continue to evolve, so too will the conventions surrounding typography. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be consistent in your formatting, whatever approach you choose.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I italicize the names of video game franchises, like “Call of Duty” or “Final Fantasy”? A: Yes, the names of video game franchises should generally be italicized, as they are considered standalone works. However, always check the specific style guide you’re following, as some may have different rules.

Q: What about the names of individual levels or missions within a game? A: Individual levels or missions are usually not italicized. Instead, they are often placed in quotation marks, as they are considered parts of a larger work.

Q: How should I format the names of video game characters? A: The names of video game characters are typically not italicized or placed in quotation marks. They are treated like any other proper noun.

Q: Does the platform (e.g., PC, PlayStation, Xbox) affect how I format the game title? A: No, the platform does not affect how the game title is formatted. The title should be formatted the same way regardless of the platform.

Q: What if I’m writing for a non-English audience? A: Different languages may have different conventions for formatting titles. If you’re writing for a non-English audience, it’s best to consult the style guide or conventions of that language.