videogame translation
Video game translation, or more precisely video game localization in our translation agency is undertaken only by native speakers. We have more than 100 games in our portfolio.
Videogame localization
Translating or localizing video games?
Videogame localization does not concern itself only with the translation of linguistic content into the target language. It means something more than switching words from one language into those of another one. A successful translation of a video game in the video game industry entails transposition of the game’s spirit and setting so as the audience has the impression that they are playing the game that was originally created for them in their own language.
Our team knows ins and outs of this art. Furthermore, we take great joy in localizing video games.
Videogame localization
Translation, localization and transcreation on the linguistic level of the game
Videogame translation is a complex process which is composed of translation, localization and sometimes even transcreation of a given game’s content. The full process of video game localization and translation consists in adjusting the linguistic content to the target language and culture. Additionally, it sometimes concerns the adjustments in accordance with legal requirements of a given country. In case of video games, the complete videogame localization affects all elements visible to the user. Among these elements there are dialogues, the game’s narration and the interface.
Secrets of a perfect localization
The key to the success is making the audience believe that a given title was created in their culture instead of simply being translated. Modern video games require a great amount of attention to detail. It is also necessary to consider the specificity of videogame translation. This level of localization, which is in accordance with the rising popularity of video games, is only achievable with the help of translators who are native speakers. By translating your video game in our translation agency, you are guaranteed to have every videogame localization carried out by native speakers of a given language. These native speakers have dozens or sometimes even several dozens of translated video games in their portfolio.
The unique role of a translator in the process of game's creation
Videogame translation is a true trade which requires the knowledge of the source language and the target language as well as a deep understanding of the cultural context. An avid video game enjoyer can make the game’s atmosphere natural to the audience. Thanks to a proper localization of the translation, translating materials related to video games enables rendering of the original emotions and the creators’ wishes, which helps players immerse themselves in the game.
Excellent video game localization
Transferring source files
Send us your source material. It can be a CSV file, a .po file or a .json file. If you have the files in a different format, we will manage that as well. Our localization team will make do with any file format.
Analysis, quota and planning
At this stage, we review all received files in order to assess the area and specificity of the translation required for your game. On this basis, our localization team creates the quota and a plan that will make the video game localization process apt for your and your community’s expectations.
Translation and adaptation
The translation stage entails adjusting the language to local cultural and linguistic norms. During this stage, we take great care in faithfully rendering the setting, the mood and the undertones, which influence the reception on the part of the player. Video game translations sometimes require transcreation so as the game seems natural and authentic to gamers from other countries. It is especially the case of idioms and puns.
The art of translating puns and idioms
In Poland, the term “computer game translation” is still more popular than the term “videogame localization”. However, nowadays, this term is quite out-dated since games are available not only on computers but also on consoles. Moreover, this process is not limited to translation. The localization entails several different operations.
Videogame translation is also the translation of puns and idioms, which often poses a great challenge. The videogame localization entails preserving the mood and word-plays in order to keep the unique character of the game. Companies which offer video game translations, such as us, ensure that video games have translations which are faithful to the original versions and, at the same time, that they are natural and understandable to local gamers.
Understanding the context=excellent videogame localization
The specificty of videogame translations lies in the fact that a translator often can only see a wall of text and has no access to the game. In case of videogame translation, the translator needs as wide context as possible in order to understand the game developers’ intentions and to properly adjust the content. That is why the localization does not entail only the translation of the text but also that of all elements which influence the complete understanding of the game on the part of the player. The key to smooth process in accordance with the game developers’ intentions is the communication between them, the translation agency and the translator.
Key elements of the game
A good scenario, fantastic graphics and a proper budget all define the success rate of a given game. Each of them plays an important role. Video games require a complete translation in order to be adjusted according to the current trends and the target market’s expectations.
The complex process of videogame translation
A complete videogames localization entails many aspects from translating the game’s content through the localization of marketing to adjusting graphics and music. Games which have translations gain popularity on new markets. Professional video game translations increase these games’ competitiveness in the global scale.
Why should you invest in video game localization?
Video game localization is an investment which brings in an increased number of players. A professional video game translation creates new opportunities for game developers by allowing them to gain loyal fans on foreign markets.
Best prices on the market
No one can beat us when it comes to our prices for videogame localization
Check our prices for video game translations. We can guarantee you a pleasant suprise thanks to our very attractive prices for video game localization. Please remember that every quotation is completly free in our translation agency.
Video game translation
Portfolio full of successes
Our exquisite portfolio with more than 100 translated video games is the best proof that the process of video games translation brings concrete results. Adjusting the games to local markets does not only help them gain popularity but also enables the audience to fully experience the plot and the atmosphere of each game that was created especially for that audience. We create video game localizations under the name of gamelocalizations.com. Click the button below and visit our website dedicated to video game translation if you want to check out our portfolio, gamers’ reviews or the situation of the games translated by us.
What does a quality translation depend on?
The recipe for success in videogame translations
Native Translators
All games, without exception, are translated by a native speaker of the target language. With our experience in the field, we have developed an international team of translators that have each proved their worth. Together we have localized an inestimable amount of computer games.
Cultural Studies
The success of a localization does not only consist of translating a game. One of the crucial features is a consideration for local culture. The game must adapt to the sensibilities, religious for example, of the country in which the game will be launched. If not, the game can crumble apart.
Passion for the Game
Videogame localization is more than just a translation, it requires ‘connoisseurs’. The translator must feel the passion and atmosphere that the game transmits. He/She must understand characters, and the historical and cultural context. For this reason, our translators are also experts in the field of video games itself.
What elements make up a computer game localization?
Linguistic and Cultural Localization
A translation of all cultural and linguistic references. This allows to enshrine authenticity and the atmosphere of the game. It will also enhance attractiveness for the target audience.
Hardware and Software Localization
This type of localization can involve, for example, changes between PAL and NTSC, function keys and modifications in the game or app in itself.
Legal Localization
Age ratings differ according the country where the game is being launched. This is controlled by both international and national organisations like PEGI (Europe), ESRB (USA and Canada), ACB (Australia) or CERO (Japan).
Graphics and Music Localization
Some games introduce different characters, or the same with subtle adjustments, to help players identify with the avatar. Music can also be altered, suiting local trends or the preferences of the main gaming communities.
What languages are worth translating into?
German
Chinese
Korean
Spanish
French
English
Italian
Japanese
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Turkish
The purpose of a localization is creating an enjoyable and fluid experience for the gamer. It considers the local culture while staying true to the original content. If a certain game isn’t localized or is translated inadequately, the gamer may feel that he/she is not the target audience. A poor localization may lead to confusion and a misinterpretation of the game’s objective. In turn, the player might not be willing to continue playing. Success in various countries starts first and foremost from a quality translation.
The decision to localize a videogame depends greatly on financial factors, such as available budget, promotional materials and potential benefits that could be acquired in a new country’s market.
Levels of videogame localization
Localization of computer games
A level one localization simply means that there has been no translation of the game, its wrapping or the user’s guide. This game will be exported in its original language which is usually English. This is often used to test a game’s potential in a certain region’s market. After this trial, a budget is invested for its subsequent localization if successful.
Localization of computer games
In the second level localization, the wrapping and the user’s guide are translated. It is worth mentioning, as we shift into online shopping, that this type of translating then applies to the game’s website or its Steam page. The game in itself remains untranslated. We resort to this level when the game doesn’t have much text, or when there is a lack of investment to translate it completely.
Localization of computer games
In third level localization, subtitles are translated into the target language. However, the songs and voice archives are not. As such, game creators avoid the additional costs of hiring voice actors who would take care of dubbing and voice-overs. For third level localization of a computer game, the soundtrack does have subtitles. This is very common in the movies. It is the most common form of localization and satisfies the general needs of gamers around the world.
Localization of computer games
The fourth level is loud and clear; it is a total localization of the game. This implies hiring voice actors, creating subtitles, translating the graphics, the wrapping and the user’s guide. This is an expensive process, and it is only used by companies launching big-name games. An example of a total localization is Cyberpunk.
Changes enforced by politics and laws
Often, videogame localization will imply specific adaptations to comply with local cultural sensibilities. These changes can be imposed by the developers themselves or by national or regional ranking committees (a system that judges the content of video games). Nonetheless, games can be released with controversial content. This can instigate negative feedback and, at times, a total withdrawal from the market.
This is exemplified in Germany. The local market, due to its strict policy, ‘Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK)’, often requires many changes to be made. This policy condemns brutality, racial hatred and Nazism. That is why the German versions of Call of Duty: WWII and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus have been changed. In the former, you will see iron crosses instead of swastikas, and in the latter, black triangles. In The New Colossus, Hitler’s distinctive mustache was also removed to reduce the connection with the leader of the Third Reich.
China is another example. It has unbending norms on censorship and prohibits content that can threaten ‘unity, sovereignty and integrity of the state’ or ‘social morals of the great cultural traditions’. This can be observed, for instance, in one of the most popular Chinese games, which is Genshin Impact. Not only is the game’s graphic part affected as certain characters have censored costumes but so is its interface. This game’s chat does not allow you to use offensive phrases nor words like “Stalin,” “Tibet,” “Taiwan,” or even “Putin.”