A 4-5 page research essay on the history of video games covering the what, how and why

Length: 5 pages. This means that a stellar quality essay of 4 pages might be fine, but go for 5. Do not exceed 6-7 pages. Font: Size 12, conventional fonts, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier. Line Spacing: Double. Citations: Cite every source, every time, whether it is a direct quote, or a paraphrased/summarized statement. The style of citation is up to you, I am fine with footnotes, MLA, etc. Bibliography: Yes, you should have one at the end. Organize it in two sections: "Primary Sources" and "Secondary Sources." Sources: Use at least one primary source, and at least three secondary sources. There is no upper limit, but be reasonable; if I see 40 sources for a 5-page paper, something does not make sense. If you use online sources, verify their integrity and worth. Do not use Wikipedia or similar sites (you can use it as an "entry-point" as you look for basic information and links to other sources, but not as a source in itself). Structure: I want a well-structured essay. This does not mean that you should have a sterile "introduction-disorganized bulk text-conclusion" which is not really a structure at all. It means that I want to see a logical connection between every sentence, a logical flow from paragraph to paragraph, and an argument built step by step. Introduction: An introduction is not a place where you write mind-numbingly meaningless statements beginning with "Throughout history..." In a paper of this scope, it is also not a place for grand statements about history, unless your subject is actually delving into such theories. Be specific, be assertive, and quickly outline the subject, your interest in it, the main question(s) concerning the subject, and very briefly, your thesis. Conclusion: This is not a reshashing of your introduction where you simply rephrase everything you have said in the beginning; that would be utterly pointless, and a waste of space. It has a distinct, separate purpose. This is where, after briefly showing the reader the progression of your arguments in the previous pages, you reach a final, clear verdict, and place it in a scholarly and historical context. Take your time doing this right. Analysis: This is an analytical essay. I do not want a descriptive essay. Do not just tell me "what"; tell me "how" and "why" as well. Show me causation. Where applicable, show me why things happened a certain way. Where possible (and it is not always possible, I understand that) show me how x and y caused z. You might agree or disagree with your sources, and that is fine; I want to see how and why. Do not copy the analysis in one of your sources as your own; if you agree with it, explain how and why. If you have a new idea not mentioned in your sources, even better (but it is not necessary to have an absolutely original argument in such a paper; you are not writing a Ph.D. dissertation). Opinions are not analyses: There is a difference between an opinion and an analysis. Your opinion is not necessarily supported by sources, or organized according to logic; it has strong elements of your background, culture, emotions, tastes, and so on. So yes, I want to hear your "voice" in the paper, but I want to see it in your effort to build an argument, and the way you explain the angle you have chosen for that argument, not "In my opinion..." Grading: For this research paper, you will be graded on four main categories, with sub-categories within them: 1) Language (grammar/spelling/style) 2) Structure (organizational logic/connections/flow) 3) Sources (variety and number of sources/quality of sources/use of sources) 4) Analysis (ability to build an argument/causation/critical thinking on sources).