Hyphens and Dashes, Video Game Style
Hyphen? En dash? Em dash? What’s the difference? There is often confusion about what the terms mean and how to use them. All three have their specific functions in writing, and if you don’t know the differences, it can be easy to mix them up. Let’s learn more about them through video game examples.
The hyphen
The hyphen (-) is the shortest of these three punctuation lines. It is typically used to link two related words to form a compound (8-bit, turn-based, role-playing, computer-generated).
There are many unhyphenated compounds. They may be open (side scroller) or closed/solid (gameplay) with no hyphen in between. When in doubt, consult the dictionary to determine which is the most common way to write a compound. Some writers prefer the way a compound looks when it’s open, hyphenated, or closed, regardless of what the dictionary says. As long as the compound is not confusing, it probably won’t matter to the reader how it’s styled.
Compound modifiers are adjective phrases that may come before or after the noun they modify. If the compound modifier precedes the noun, hyphens help clarify what is being modified. If the compound modifier comes after the noun it modifies, it is not usually necessary to hyphenate because there is little room for confusion. For a comprehensive look, read Merriam-Webster’s guide to compounds.
In Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy is an arrow-flinging, trap-setting, machine-spearing hunter.
Rainbow Road is an unforgiving death trap that only god-level players can successfully navigate without falling off the track.
Halo is a fast-paced first-person shooter. BUT Halo is a first-person shooter that’s fast paced.
Carefully consider whether adding a hyphen will lend clarity to the compound. For example, if you write: “Moonlighter is the top selling game of 2018,” that could be taken two different ways: it sold the most copies in 2018 or it was the game that had the best shop mechanics in 2018. While most readers probably wouldn’t take it as the second meaning, those who have played Moonlighter know that it relies heavily on earning gold by running a shop, so it really could be the second meaning. To eliminate ambiguity, one can employ a hyphen: “Moonlighter is the top-selling game of 2018.” This statement would be untrue, but it’s still a great game.
How to create a hyphen on the computer: The hyphen key is located between zero and = on standard keyboards. Simply press and voilà!
The en dash
The en dash (–) is the next longest, named because the dash is about the width of the letter N. The en dash is usually used to link numbers (ranges, scores) and represents the words “to” or “through” with numbers, locations, or dates. Note that if you are going to use the word “from” to introduce the range, you would use “to” instead of an en dash. Don’t mix and match.
Various installments of the LittleBigPlanet series were released 2008–2014. OR Various installments of the LittleBigPlanet series were released from 2008 to 2014.
Madden predicted that the Rams would defeat the Patriots 30–27 in the 2019 Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Patriots won 13–3 in a snooze fest.
The en dash can also be used when a compound modifier contains an open compound or a proper noun phrase. This is a stylistic preference, so a writer can choose between using an en dash or a hyphen in these instances.
Chrono Trigger’s gameplay differed from that in other JRPGs because many enemies were visible rather than being hidden in the standard random encounter–mechanic.
One of the best parts of Lost Odyssey is the Nobuo Uematsu–composed music.
He ran in and aggroed all the mobs Leeroy Jenkins–style.
How to create an en dash on the computer: Windows: Alt + 0150 / Mac: Option + Hyphen
The em dash
The em dash (—) is the longest of the three, named because the dash is about the width of the letter M. The em dash is a versatile punctuation mark and creates polarizing debates. Those who love em dashes use them liberally throughout their writing, whereas others use them as sparingly as possible. An em dash is commonly used to do the following:
Introduce a series instead of using a colon
Sora is aided by familiar characters in battle—Donald, Goofy, and King Mickey.
In Octopath Traveler, You can play as all eight characters—Alfyn, Cyrus, H’aanit, Olberic, Ophilia, Primrose, Therion, and Tressa.
Indicate a nonrestrictive clause (one that’s not essential to the sentence) instead of using commas or parentheses
The prince rolls a ball and collects items—from sushi to kittens to cities—to grow progressively larger.
The idea that Kirby—a small, pink puffball—inhales giant enemies is an odd concept if you think about it for too long.
Indicate interruption or abrupt stops in action or dialogue
“Waka waka wak—” Game over.
“Are you saying that this”—he held up the Xbox controller—“is more important than our relationship?”
Attribute a quote to its source
“It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” —Random old guy, The Legend of Zelda
“You spoony bard!” —Tellah, Final Fantasy IV
The em dash may or may not have spaces around it, depending on which style guide is being followed. Novels written in US English often follow Chicago style, which says that there should not be spaces around dashes.
How to create an em dash on the computer: Windows: Alt + 0151 / Mac: Option + Shift + Hyphen. You can also use Dan Sinker’s em dash generator to quickly copy one without having to memorize keyboard shortcuts.
Final thoughts
There you have it! Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes all serve important purposes in writing. Being able to choose the correct one is a great skill to have. Now back to playing video games.
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