Game Localization: What It Is, Why It is Necessary, And How to Do It Right

The globalization of games is rapidly changing the gaming industry. As the internet becomes increasingly globalized, game developers are finding it more and more lucrative to sell their games to a wider, international audience.

So, what are the best tools and methods for localizing video games for a new market? In this article, we’ll look at ways you can attempt to localize your video game for an international audience – specifically those in non-English speaking markets.

What is Game Localization?

Game localization is the process of translating a video game for foreign markets. It encompasses the processes of globalization and linguistic quality assurance. The goal of game localization is to make it easier for gamers to understand what is happening in the game and make it more enjoyable to play.

Game localization involves translating a game’s text, audio, and visual elements (e.g., graphics) into another language or multiple languages. The process also involves adapting the game for cultural differences between countries, such as adjusting money amounts or dates on calendars. This can involve rewriting storylines or adding new dialogue, or cutting scenes to explain things that might not make sense without context in one country but are common knowledge in another.

Why Do Developers Need Game Localization?

Gamers want their favourite games in their native language to fully enjoy the experience without having to read subtitles or guess what they’re supposed to do next based on clues from other players online.

Localizing games means reaching a wider audience and increasing sales by making games available to more people worldwide who speak different languages than those who speak English as their first language.

There is no doubt that language is a key component in the success of your game. But it’s also one of the most challenging aspects to manage.

Game Optimization Tips

If you’re a game developer, you know that the quality of your product depends on many factors. And language is one of them. It is essential to ensure that your game is translated in the best possible way to reach as many users as possible and sell more copies.

Here are some tips for optimizing your game localization process:

• Don’t cut corners when it comes to translation quality.
• Ask for references or samples from prospective translators.
• Set clear expectations from the start and be prepared to negotiate if needed.
• Be aware of cultural differences and avoid generalizations when defining terminology, characters or locations in your game.

Aspects of Localization Process

Localization means adapting a product for specific markets. Technical tasks—such as extracting strings from the code—also come with their own particular challenges. And submitting them to a localization management system.

Below are the most important aspects of the game localization process:

Translation

Translating all texts in a game is essential for players to understand what they are doing, how to play and where to find answers to their questions. It also helps them navigate menus and options, learn about gameplay features, and use social media features such as chat rooms or forums.

Editing

Editing is usually the first step in localization. It involves checking the source text for errors and inconsistencies, such as missing words or grammatical mistakes. It can also include rewriting sentences that are too long or complex.

Proofreading

After editing, proofreading is carried out to ensure no mistakes or errors in spelling or grammar after correcting any issues found during editing. This step is essential as it ensures that no mistakes are missed before sending your project off for translation into another language.

Integration

After editing and proofreading, we integrate all your translated files into your game engine so they appear correctly within your game when released in other languages worldwide.

Regional Adaptation

Regional adaptation involves changing elements of your game unrelated to text (such as images), so they fit better with cultural expectations in each region where it will be released.

Summary

Sure, it’s a steep investment. And yes, it’s one you may have to live with for months, if not longer. Eventually, it is worth it. With a good localization plan, you can see all sorts of benefits: increased revenue, new customers and higher rankings on the app store all factor into what could be a resounding success.

Eurolingo is committed to making a myriad of linguistic services available to all. This includes ensuring that quality language content is a focus and that we deliver the best service possible for our clients, regardless of project size. This approach has been adopted across all business areas and is essential to our strategy for continued growth.

For bespoke game localization services, contact us: