Compounds

Q. We have a raging style debate in our office. Our online editor says videogame should be one word. This usage is already common on more tech-focused blogs, and he says it is more accurate, as the interactive video genre has become so much more than a type of “game.” AP says two words. What does CMOS say?

A. Your office needs to choose a style guide and dictionary to arbitrate when there’s no single right answer. Chicago follows Merriam-Webster in any spellings not covered in CMOS, and M-W says “video game.” If your company’s focus is electronic media, you may prefer to go with what’s current in that industry.