The global video game market is growing very fast. It will soon be worth over $522 billion in 2027. So, developers are translating games into new languages. This helps them sell to more countries. Good translation brings more sales.
But game translation is tricky. More changes than just the words. The look, sound, and cultural references change too. Games are played differently all over the world. Developers need to understand this.
This guide explains game translation completely. It covers why and how to translate games. It shares real examples too.
Why Translate Games?
Games need translations. Translations help players. Players come from different places. Translations make games user-friendly.
That’s why you need us. Desource Translation is a Professional Document Translation Services provider.
Reach More Players
Some players struggle with English. Translations help such players. Players want a language they know. Translations make games global. It’s about going beyond borders.
Games become accessible everywhere. Non-English app stores feature these games. More people get to know these games. They become more popular.
As a result, foreign YouTubers play these games. They showcase to their audience. These are potential new players. More people get reached this way. It’s a good strategy for developers.
Fit Different Cultures
Symbolism in art varies. Differences exist in cultures. Colors may symbolize different things. Humor is variable too. Laughter is global, jokes aren’t.
People perceive history differently too. There’s fantasy and there’s reality. Games cater to both alike. Games become adaptable this way.
Localized games resonate better. They feel more relatable. This makes players feel special.
Make Players Happier
Confusing language annoys players. Some players could quit. Quitting is bad for games. Translation solves this problem. Games then make perfect sense.
Players then become happy. They play for longer. They might spend on games. Happy players mean successful games.
Smooth translations attract more players. These games get good reviews. Good reviews help developers.
Stand Out
Not all games get translated. This omission is common. But it’s a huge opportunity.
Good translation signals empathy. Developers think about all players. Inclusion makes players happy. Players appreciate the effort.
Games become distinct this way. They break from the crowd. They seem more in tune. The attention to detail shows. Translated games look more polished. They stand as champions among games.
Getting Started with Video Game Translation Services
When you first translate, practical choices matter. These choices help with quality.
Selecting Target Languages
Video game translation needs a lot. You need language skills, time, and tests. Sometimes you even need special coding. You need to choose languages smartly. So, what can help you choose? Think about market analysis.
Total game change is huge. It takes a lot of things. Looking at the market can help.
This shows where you can make money. Focus to translate games where players usually spend money on!
Think about profitable countries. Some like games more. Some have good platforms. Some have fast data. Some use consoles. Some have big budgets.
Revenue can be different per country. Games can sell more or less. So, decide your languages carefully. It’s all about return on investment.
Hiring Professional Translators
Machine can translate, but not always. Machines can’t get video game technicalities. Human translation is very important. It is key.
There are many choices. Some use studios. Some use in-house linguists. Choose native translators. They know the local culture. They know the gaming language too.
General speakers miss a lot. Context is very important. So, what is the solution? Define your game terms. Set them for all translators. Some people lie about their fluency. Be wary of lies. Have a way to test them.
Building a Translation Team
Game translation involves many. Programmers, producers, and more are involved. There is a lot to manage. Use a good project manager. They can help plan and track the project.
Translators do a key job. They ensure consistent language choice. Then, reviewers check for errors. The developers then put the language in the game.
Translating is complex and fast paced. So, good leadership is needed. It’s like solving a puzzle. It requires balancing different things.
Challenges with Translation
Technical and cultural problems happen a lot.
Coding Issues
First, hard-coded text can’t flexibly grow. Next, new languages may break game builds. Also, code libraries need unlinking. Furthermore, engineering fixes take effort. Therefore, foundations should bend instead of break.
To start, set text can’t stretch. Then, fresh words could wreck builds. Additionally, depots ask for detaching. Moreover, techies grind to patch. Hence, scaffolds should sway, not shatter.
Cultural Differences
For starters, humor can’t often change. Also, historic people mean new things. Likewise, holy markers change acceptance. However, violence views disagree. Thus, steering aids adaptation.
Initially, jokes can’t frequently budge. Moreover, famed heads now connote changed concepts. Similarly, sacred emblems change allowance. But, gore perspectives conflict. Therefore, ushering supports acclimating.
Possible Solutions
First, native translators pick wise content. Second, warn on maybe touchy bits. Next, change themes nice as required. Finally, age score by country. Overall, knowing cultures and bending tech fixes issues.
To begin, indigenous linguists opt sage substance selections. After that, forewarn on perhaps ticklish materials. Then, modify motifs civilly as requested. Lastly, maturity gradings per province. All in all, comprehending civilizations and supple technology amends troubles.
Quality Matters
Thoughtful localization gives:
Sales Numbers
- Way more potential gamers
- Attract wider spending ranges
- Removes hesitation to download
So it opens up isolated income avenues.
It draws way more gamers. It gets wider buyer ranges. It drops download doubts. Thus it opens up cut off cash channels.
User Counts
- Just English cuts out billions
- Spanish speakers top 500 million
- Chinese languages have over one billion possible players
Thus localization has a big multiplying effect.
Mere English omits billions. Hispanic tongues top 500 million. Sinitic lexes own one billion apt gamers. Hence localization has immense multiplying force.
Gameplay Success
- Understanding tutorials is key
- Missions go much more smoothly
- Storyline immersion is deeper
- Reliable translations build confidence
As a result players spend more gameplay time and skill growth.
Getting guides is vital. Quests fare much sleeker. Plot plunging goes deeper. Trusted versions uplift poise. Hence users pass more gameplay eras and faculty swelling.
The Role of Quality Assurance in Video Game Translation
Complete QA across versions stays vital:
Check Display
- Ensure text wraps and draws fine
- Make sure formatting looks right
So users see translations correctly.
Ensure words wrap and draw cleanly. Assure styling gazes accurate. Thus patrons glimpse conversions properly.
Confirm Functionality
- Validate tooltips work properly
- Maps should show accurate locations
- Menus must be the same systemwide
- Payments use the right currency
So, core mechanics work properly everywhere.
Check tool tip function. Charts should unveil truthful sites. Food selections must match systemwide. Pay runs apply correct cash. Thus primary mechanics drive properly everywhere.
Get Player Feedback
- Beta testing uncovers unclear spots
- Live input tightens meanings
- Notes upgrade translations
- Bug reports fix problems
Real user data guarantees resonance.
Case Studies: Successful Video Game Translations
Beyond high level theory and process, real world examples of global game launches showcase practical localization wins, learnings and reflections for the next wave of titles seeking multi-language adoption:
Pokémon GO
This hit AR game translated in game elements into 34 languages as it rolled out to 169 countries in under a year. It respected cultural differences, removing location references to sad historical events while changing iconic creature names to fit norms.
Conservative countries saw fantasy creature changes. Surprise smash hit mobile game Wordle intentionally avoided translation, not giving word clue hints across languages, instead focusing options allowing worldwide inclusion.
Call of Duty Mobile
Activision’s great IP translation helped this FPS game expand into China’s Tencent gaming area. Content followed government rules and cultural guidelines around violence and gambling while showcasing different player achievement systems.
Politics interconnected with practical, respectful content adaptation and engineering accomplishments. The game topped 2020 downloads with over 300 million despite tensions between superpowers. Sensitive localization progresses.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games chose a unique localized rollout for this award winning open world game involving select voice actors translating from original English into later Spanish, French and German recordings.
This kept intended script feeling and performance effectiveness through experiential understanding only lost via studio ordered translation script acting. Fan authenticity!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between video game translation and localization?
Translation is changing words to another language. Localization adapts the game for each culture. It goes deeper than word-for-word.
To start, translation is changing words between tongues. Localization tailors games per culture. It surpasses word-for-word swapping.
How do you handle slang and cultural references in translation?
First, native experts pick equivalents in context. Second, warnings on potentially touchy bits. Next, change themes nicely as needed. Lastly, ratings help guide sensitivity.
Initially, homegrown specialists elect equals in circumstance. After that, forebode on perhaps prickly matters. Then, recast tropes benignly as desired. Finally, rankings aid steering delicacy.
How is translating games different from other translation work?
Games have much slang terms. Also cultural nods. And jokes. Word play happens too. Special care is needed. More than other translation fields.
How should translators approach sensitive topics in games?
First know the audience and laws. Adapt carefully as needed. Warn publishers of issues. Offer nice alternatives. Guide ratings changes too. Dialogue with stakeholders.
What file formats require translation in game localization?
Code comments. UI strings. Subtitles. Marketing copy. Menus and manuals. Websites and apps. Audio scripts. Lots more asset types too.
How can translators improve consistency in tone across projects?
Use past work as reference. Note tone guidance per franchise. Reuse glossaries when possible. Ask authors intent for feel. Flag deviations for review.
Why is testing important for translated game builds?
Checks for bugs from text expansion. Validates playability. Ensures UI formatting held up. Confirms terminology stayed intact. And overall quality appraisal.
Final Thoughts
As gaming spreads worldwide on phones and cloud gaming, smart translation now sets up positive future impacts for developers greatly helping teach societies about empathy, wisdom and hope.
Let all voices work together to guide imaginative journeys ahead into unified new adventures awaiting legendary status. Game on!