Papers Please: A Guide To Citing The Dystopian Game

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Ever found yourself needing to cite Papers Please in your academic work, a blog post, or maybe even a legal document from Arstotzka? (Just kidding… mostly.) Citing video games properly is super important, and this guide will break down how to do it right, ensuring your references are as valid as an Arstotzkan passport. Let's dive in and make sure your citations are GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA... I mean, accurate!

Why Citing Papers Please Matters

Okay, so why bother citing a video game like Papers Please anyway? Well, citing sources is about giving credit where it's due and allowing others to find the original work. When you include Papers Please in your research, analysis, or even creative projects, you're engaging with it as a form of media, just like a book, film, or article. Proper citation acknowledges the game's creator, Lucas Pope, and his studio, 3909 LLC. Plus, it adds credibility to your work by showing you've done your homework. Citing video games, like Papers Please, helps establish video games as legitimate subjects of study and discussion. Whether you're discussing the game's narrative, its mechanics, or its commentary on political themes, citing it correctly shows respect for the work and provides a clear path for others to explore it themselves. Think of it this way: you wouldn't want someone using your creative work without giving you credit, right? The same goes for video games. By following proper citation guidelines, you're contributing to a culture of respect and accuracy in referencing digital media. It’s crucial to properly cite Papers Please due to its unique narrative and gameplay mechanics. The game's distinct art style and thematic elements make it essential to give credit to the creators. Academic integrity requires that all sources, including video games, are accurately cited to avoid plagiarism and ensure that readers can trace the origins of the information. When writing a paper, article, or blog post, citing Papers Please demonstrates a commitment to thorough research and ethical writing practices, enhancing the credibility and reliability of the work. Failing to cite Papers Please could lead to accusations of plagiarism and undermine the authority of the writer. Additionally, accurate citations provide context for readers unfamiliar with the game, allowing them to understand its significance and contribution to the discussion. In summary, citing Papers Please is essential for maintaining academic standards, respecting the creators' intellectual property, and promoting transparency in research and writing.

Common Citation Styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago

When it comes to citing Papers Please, you'll generally encounter three main citation styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago. Each has its own quirks and formatting rules, so let's break them down to make it easier for you.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

MLA style is often used in the humanities, such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. Citing Papers Please in MLA requires you to include the game's title, developer, publisher, and year of release. Here’s a general format:

Papers Please. Developed by Lucas Pope, 3909 LLC, 2013.

In your Works Cited list, it would look like this:

Papers Please. Developed by Lucas Pope, 3909 LLC, 2013.

When you refer to the game in your text, you can use a parenthetical citation:

(Pope)

If you’re discussing a specific aspect of the game, like a particular scene or mechanic, you might want to provide more context. For example:

The moral dilemmas presented in Papers Please force players to make difficult choices (Pope).

APA (American Psychological Association)

APA style is commonly used in social sciences, like psychology, education, and sociology. Citing Papers Please in APA involves a slightly different approach. Here’s the basic format:

Pope, L. (2013). Papers Please [Video game]. 3909 LLC.

In your reference list, it would look like this:

Pope, L. (2013). Papers Please [Video game]. Retrieved from [URL if applicable]

For in-text citations, you’d use the author's last name and the year:

(Pope, 2013)

If you're referring to a specific part of the game, be more descriptive:

The bleak atmosphere of Papers Please creates a sense of constant pressure (Pope, 2013).

Chicago Style

Chicago style is often used in history and other humanities disciplines. It has two main systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. Let's focus on the notes and bibliography system, as it's more common for citing creative works.

In your bibliography, the entry would look like this:

Pope, Lucas. Papers Please. [Platform]. 3909 LLC, 2013.

In a footnote, you would cite it like this:

  1. Lucas Pope, Papers Please ( [Platform]: 3909 LLC, 2013).

When mentioning the game in your text:

Papers Please offers a unique perspective on the challenges of border control.

Subsequent citations can be shortened:

  1. Pope, Papers Please.

Elements to Include in Your Citation

No matter which citation style you're using, there are some key elements you'll want to include to make sure your citation is complete and accurate. These elements help readers find the game and understand its context.

  • Title of the Game: This is the most basic element. Make sure you spell it correctly and italicize it, as Papers Please.
  • Developer: Credit the person or team who created the game. In this case, it's Lucas Pope.
  • Publisher: Include the name of the company that published the game, which is 3909 LLC.
  • Year of Release: This helps readers understand when the game was released and its place in gaming history. The year is 2013.
  • Platform (Optional): If you're discussing the game on a specific platform (like PC, iOS, etc.), you can include this information. This can be particularly useful if the game varies across platforms.
  • URL (If Applicable): If you accessed the game online, include the URL so others can find it. This is especially useful for digital downloads or online versions of the game.

For example, if you downloaded Papers Please from Steam, you might include the Steam URL in your citation.

Examples of Papers Please Citations

To give you a clearer idea of how to cite Papers Please, here are some examples in different citation styles:

MLA

Papers Please. Developed by Lucas Pope, 3909 LLC, 2013.

APA

Pope, L. (2013). Papers Please [Video game]. 3909 LLC.

Chicago

Pope, Lucas. Papers Please. PC. 3909 LLC, 2013.

Tips for Accurate Citations

  • Double-Check Your Information: Make sure you have the correct title, developer, publisher, and year of release. A quick Google search can help you confirm these details.
  • Use a Citation Management Tool: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and Citation Machine can help you format your citations correctly and keep track of your sources.
  • Consult a Style Guide: If you're unsure about a particular citation style, consult the official style guide (e.g., MLA Handbook, APA Publication Manual, Chicago Manual of Style).
  • Be Consistent: Stick to one citation style throughout your work to avoid confusion.

Accurate citations are a hallmark of academic integrity. By following these tips, you can ensure your Papers Please citations are correct and consistent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing Information: Don't leave out essential details like the developer, publisher, or year of release. Incomplete citations make it difficult for readers to find the game.
  • Incorrect Formatting: Pay attention to the specific formatting rules of your chosen citation style. This includes things like italicizing the game title and using the correct punctuation.
  • Inconsistent Style: Stick to one citation style throughout your work. Mixing styles can make your citations look sloppy and unprofessional.
  • Not Citing at All: This is the biggest mistake of all! Always give credit to the creators of Papers Please by including a citation whenever you refer to the game.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your Papers Please citations are accurate and reliable.

Why Accurate Citations Matter for Papers Please

Papers Please isn't just any game; it's a thought-provoking experience that explores themes of morality, identity, and political oppression. Accurately citing Papers Please is important because it acknowledges the game's unique contribution to the world of interactive storytelling. Whether you're analyzing the game's narrative, its mechanics, or its cultural impact, proper citation shows respect for the work and provides a clear path for others to explore it.

  • Acknowledging the Creator: Lucas Pope's vision is central to the game's impact. Citing him and 3909 LLC recognizes their creative contribution.
  • Supporting Academic Integrity: Citing any source, including video games, upholds the principles of academic honesty and prevents plagiarism.
  • Enhancing Credibility: Accurate citations demonstrate thorough research and attention to detail, adding weight to your arguments.

So there you have it, guys! Citing Papers Please might seem like a small detail, but it's an important part of engaging with the game in a thoughtful and respectful way. Whether you're writing a research paper, a blog post, or just discussing the game with friends, remember to give credit where it's due. GLORY TO ACCURATE CITATIONS! (And, of course, GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA!).