10 interesting facts about video games
Shocking facts and myths from the world of video games.
10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT VIDEO GAMES THAT YOU MUST KNOW. THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF COMPUTER GAMES AWAITS DISCOVERY!
Nowadays, computer games are one of the most important forms of entertainment, reaching millions of players around the world. The world of computer games is constantly evolving. Mortal Kombat, Star Citizen, World of Warcraft, Mario Kart, or the first part of The Legend of Zelda series are just a few titles among the many best-selling games that can be considered the most popular video games. A successful game series can bring developers astronomical profits. Interestingly, the games themselves have an incredibly fascinating history, full of surprises, innovations, and also… controversies.
Who hasn’t heard of Counter Strike: Global Offensive or the nickname Johnathan Fatal1ty Wendel? The world of game series is incredibly complex. It includes not only skill-based games, action games, but also various titles from educational and online games. In this article, we will look at some fascinating facts about the best games of all time and more.
Attention! Important information, especially for Counter Strike: Global Offensive players 😉
There is officially no such medical condition as video game addiction.
And now, time for some interesting facts!
1. What was the first computer game? A great technological leap – from Spacewar! to VR.
Computer games began their history with simple titles that didn’t even offer 2D graphics. Spacewar! was the first computer game. This first computer game was also released by Atari in 1962, making it the second game released by the company. The game involved a battle between two spaceships.
However, it was not Atari, but the Magnavox Odyssey, created by Ralph Baer, that was the first console to enable the future rise of gaming giants like Sega and Nintendo. Moreover, this first console allowed the development of the second generation of consoles, including Atari.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that a true revolution in game production occurred. It was then that the first 3D games appeared, such as Ultima Underworld and Doom. It’s hard to imagine today’s gameplay in Call of Duty or Counter Strike: Global Offensive without 3D models.
Today, the world of gaming continues to evolve in the era of virtual reality (VR). The gaming experience is incomparably smoother and facilitates immersion in the game, as seen in action games on Nintendo and many other consoles. Games like Half-Life: Alyx offer a true journey into the unknown, providing an unprecedented level of immersion. The world of game series is expanding, and with it, the development of game production.
2. Mysterious Easter eggs, also known as hidden gems in games
The world of computer games is full of surprises. Many players love to search for so-called Easter eggs, also known as hidden gems, that game developers place for tenacious players. This happens not only in action games but also in skill-based games.
Sometimes these Easter eggs are references to pop culture, sometimes jokes, and sometimes entirely hidden levels. One of the most famous examples comes from the game Adventure, released on the Atari 2600 in 1980. It was there that the first Easter egg appeared – a hidden room with the game creator’s name embedded in the game itself.
Since then, hidden elements have become a tradition in computer games, especially in action games. One of the currently highest-grossing video games, Honkai: Star Rail, contains a huge number of Easter eggs, from references to other hits by the same developers, such as Genshin Impact and Honkai 3rd, to references to pop culture, such as the works of George R. R. Martin, iconic sci-fi films like Ready Player One, and anime series like One Punch Man or the Pokémon franchise.
3. The gradual evolution of video and computer games. From simple gameplay to full-scale hits
The first online games began to appear around the 1970s. When we think of mobile games, we often imagine simple productions like the still-active Candy Crush or Angry Birds series. However, the history of mobile games began in the 1990s when mobile phones were equipped with simple integrated games, such as Snake – an iconic title that still has its fans. It was Snake that launched the era of mobile games.
Over the years, technology has allowed for the development of more complex productions, and today mobile games, such as Clash of Clans, PUBG Mobile, or Honkai: Star Rail, are extremely popular and generate billions of dollars annually. The world of computer games continues to evolve rapidly. This is especially evident in how often a game’s name or its character is searched for, and how much all the sold copies of a game are worth together.
Read more about history of videogame here: https://www.linguaforum.eu/en/history-of-videogames/
4. Computer games are changing the way we communicate. Does this confirm the negative impact of games?
Many players are certainly familiar with terms like ‘level up,’ ‘nerf,’ or ‘buff.’ It turns out that these words are not just slang used by gamers but have permanently entered modern language, with some of them, like ‘grind’ or ‘rage quit,’ becoming popular in the mainstream! This is the result of the enormous influence that games have on our daily lives. They change our behaviors, communication, and the way we think about competition and cooperation. A successful game series can have a huge impact on shaping the reality around us.
It’s important to remember that the translation of games must take these subtle changes in language into account in order to preserve cultural elements.
5. The development of the video game industry. Video games market is more than 5 times larger than the film industry
Although it may sound shocking, the video game market is currently one of the most powerful parts of the entertainment industry. According to Newszoo reports, video game revenues in 2023 reached around 180 billion dollars, while the film industry reached about 40 billion. This is mainly due to the development of VR technology, mobile games, and the huge demand for e-sports, which is becoming a major global competition, as evidenced by the popularity of events like Intel Extreme Masters or The International, e-sport organizations like Virtus.Pro, or e-sports professionals such as Johnathan Fatal1ty Wendel.
So, how do translation agencies fit into this context? The video game industry is rapidly growing, which means the need not only to translate texts but also to adapt games to local customs and cultures. This is particularly important in the case of translating Nintendo titles, whose copies are sold in the tens of millions, and each mentioned game title from them attracts the attention of numerous fans worldwide.
6. The impact of games on the development of mathematical skills
The educational aspects of computer games are a topic that is gaining popularity. Video games influence the development of children from a very young age. Many games, such as Minecraft, Kerbal Space Program, and SimCity, use game mechanics to teach mathematics, physics, and management. The use of games in education makes learning more enjoyable. Furthermore, video games have an impact on the engagement of younger generations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics.
When we add translations into the mix, we see how important it is to adapt these games to various educational systems around the world. This is especially important in the current situation, where video games influence the personal and educational development of children and teenagers. The fascinating world of game series can encourage a person to delve into a specific topic. Video games have already changed the way we perceive learning. Today, many educational games, as well as online games, are available on the market, and they can also have a positive impact on players.
7. Computer games have their own stars, namely voice actors
Many players do not realize that behind their favorite characters in video games are real voice actors. Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker, lent his voice to the character of the Joker in the game Batman: Arkham, which is considered by some to be one of the best games of all time. Meanwhile, Troy Baker, the voice of Joel, the protagonist of The Last of Us, is one of the most recognizable actors in the world of gaming.
Game translation, especially in the context of dubbing, requires not only translating words but also capturing the emotions and character of the characters, which is a significant challenge. This is particularly important for a video game player who knows the original version of the game.
8. In your opinion, which game genre is most often launched? The most expensive video game in history
Apparently, some of the most frequently launched games of all time are shooters, such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive. If you think that creating video games is just a small investment, consider that Red Dead Redemption 2 cost between 370 and 540 million dollars – more than the budget of many Hollywood films! It’s a huge amount, but fully justified, given the scale of this production, which offers a gigantic open world, a rich story, stunning graphics, and hundreds of hours of gameplay. The first installment of the game cost a slightly smaller but equally spectacular sum.
With such large investments, just like with translations, there’s no room for savings – everything must be perfected to the highest standard. The world of video games is unforgiving, and to be recognized as the best video game, every detail must be fine-tuned. Giants like Sega and Nintendo, who are responsible for creating many of the most popular games of all time, know this very well. Shigeru Miyamoto also knew this when creating the The Legend of Zelda series.
9. Nintendo will remain unique. Super Mario Bros. saved the video game industry
Video games have changed significantly since Computer Space, which was the first arcade machine to accept coins. Billy Mitchell, the best Pac-Man player, would also be quite surprised if he saw the current progress and the popularity of companies like Nintendo. In the 1980s, the video game industry suffered a great crisis. However, when Super Mario Bros. was released for the NES console in 1985, it became an absolute phenomenon, attracting millions of new players to video games.
From a translation perspective, translating the game into different languages was a challenge, as not only did the texts need to be adapted for new markets, but there was also a need to preserve the humor and local references. As it turned out, a well-executed translation of this iconic production played a crucial role in its success outside of Japan.
10. Censorship in video games is a global challenge
In the process of adapting these games to different local markets, the phenomenon of censorship arises, which affects not only the content but also the way the game is perceived by the video game player. In our translation agency, we frequently encounter questions about the localization of video games and the challenges it presents to translators and producers. Censorship in games is a complex and highly controversial topic that is worth discussing in detail.
What is censorship in video games?
Censorship in video games involves modifying content to meet the legal, cultural, or even moral requirements of a specific region or country. It includes changes to dialogues, visual elements, game mechanics, and even the storyline. In practice, it often results from local regulations, social standards, or concerns from producers about negative reactions from audiences, as well as the prohibition of game distribution, as was the case in Marshfield with Pac-Man, a game by Toru Iwatani.
Examples of censorship in video games
1. Censorship of Japanese games
Japan is a country known for its very specific approach to games. Many titles undergo significant changes before being released outside of Japan. For example, in the Fire Emblem series, the characters’ ages were changed in the Western version, and their outfits became much less revealing. In contrast, in Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Japanese market, all nudity was removed, and erotic scenes were deleted, which became a subject of controversy in other parts of the world.
2. Germany and censorship
In Germany, strict regulations exist regarding the depiction of symbols related to World War II. As a result, games like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus were modified. Swastikas were removed, and Adolf Hitler’s image was altered by removing his signature mustache to comply with German law. Similarly, in Dying Light 2, decapitation and the dismemberment of human enemies were removed due to the excessive level of brutality in these scenes.
3. China and strict content control
The Chinese video game market is one of the most restrictive. According to local regulations, many games require significant content changes. For example, in PUBG, the color of blood is changed to green in the Chinese version, and the use of words such as “kill” or “murder” is prohibited. This is part of the policy to avoid violent content in games that could be deemed inappropriate in China. Another example of censorship is the modifications in games like Genshin Impact, where the outfits of certain characters are censored for players on Asian servers.
4. USA and controversies
In the United States, games like Grand Theft Auto have frequently faced controversies regarding violence and unethical actions. Although censorship in the USA is not as strict as in other countries, these games are often modified to meet the age rating standards set by the ESRB. This is also the case with the latest installment of the series, Grand Theft Auto V. The game’s creators removed character models that could be associated with transgender individuals. These models now appear only in the Cockatoos, a nightclub in Los Santos used for LGBT+ gatherings. This decision was explained as an effort to avoid stigmatizing transgender people. Censorship is also expected in the upcoming GTA VI, which internet users have already discovered in the trailer for this installment.
Game localization and censorship – translation or adaptation?
The process of game localization is not just about simple translation of texts, but primarily about adapting the game to the specific expectations and cultural norms of the target region. For example, in the version of The Witcher 3 prepared for the Middle Eastern market, the level of nudity and violence was reduced to avoid political controversy. On the other hand, in games such as the first part of Final Fantasy VII Remake, the main character was redesigned, and the modification was introduced via a patch released four years after the game’s initial launch.
Changing the format can also include adaptation, such as in the case of the world of GTA V being transferred to Minecraft or when the Witcher game was created based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book. The role of Triss Merigold was modified in the game compared to the original version.
Censorship vs. creativity
On one hand, censorship allows creators to reach a broader audience by avoiding controversy. On the other hand, some players and game developers believe that censorship destroys the original message of the game and limits the artistic freedom of developers. This is a topic that undoubtedly evokes strong emotions.
Role of translation agencies in the game localization process
Translation agencies, such as ours, play a key role in the game localization process. Translators specializing in video games must not only be proficient in the target language but also have an awareness of local cultural norms and regulations. Even a small mistake in translation can lead to a misunderstanding of the game or, in the worst-case scenario, a negative reaction from players.
Summary
Censorship in video games is a topic that concerns both players and creators. In our translation agency, we help game developers adapt their works to local markets, taking into account all aspects of localization – from translating dialogues to adjusting visual elements. If you are planning to launch a game in a new market, use our services to avoid unnecessary controversies and reach a wide audience.
Are you curious about what professional video game localization looks like? Contact us and find out how we can help!
Author: Julia Kaczmarczyk
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