Game Localization Services – Video Game Localization | Day Translations

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What is Game Localization?

Game localization is the intricate process of adapting a video game to meet the linguistic, cultural, and regulatory requirements of a specific region or language. This goes beyond mere translation; it involves modifying text, audio, and visual elements to resonate with local players. For instance, cultural references, humor, and even gameplay mechanics might need adjustments to align with local preferences and norms. Effective game localization requires a deep understanding of the target audience, their language, and their cultural nuances. By doing so, game developers can ensure that their video games are not only accessible but also enjoyable for players around the world.

Benefits of Localization

Localization offers a multitude of benefits for game developers, making it a crucial step in the game development process. Firstly, it significantly increases global reach and revenue by tapping into new markets and expanding the player base. Secondly, it improves player engagement and satisfaction, as gamers are more likely to enjoy and stay loyal to a game that feels tailored to their cultural context. Additionally, localization enhances brand reputation and credibility, positioning the developer as a global player in the industry. It also provides a competitive advantage in the global gaming market, allowing developers to stand out in a crowded field. Ultimately, by localizing their games, developers can access new markets and audiences, driving growth and success.

Game Localization
Game Localization

Global Growth & Success for Your Video Games

We provide comprehensive localization services to create a captivating experience for your users around the world.

So, if you’re thinking about introducing your video game to international markets, now’s the time to localize it. Because launching just one version of your product will dramatically dent your market share, you need to create a tailored user experience. Video game localization takes into account different languages, cultures and gaming habits. But how do you get it right? With the support of a partner who specializes in languages and culture, and is an industry leader in high quality translation services.

Video Game Localization Services from America to Asia

The popularity of video games transcends geographic regions, gender, age and languages. If your video game is a hit in the States, what’s stopping it from conquering the Asian market? Both indie and AAA games can benefit immensely from localization to reach a broader audience.

Failure to localize your video game, the language, interface, graphics, icons, and colors translates into failure to do business globally. Satisfying increasingly demanding user expectations, while ensuring cross-platform compatibility, is a complex process. This is especially true for mobile games, which have a significant impact on global demographics and require high-quality translations to ensure user engagement and revenue generation.

Does your video game work over multiple devices and operating systems? Do you need video game localization modifications that go beyond the textual structure and capability of a regular translation agency? We can make major adjustments to your game’s coding to take into account not only wording, but also graphical discrepancies between your source and target languages (such as font types and icons). Increase your appeal from America to Asia with our expert video games localization services, utilizing professional translators to ensure the highest quality outcomes.

The Localization Process

The localization process is a comprehensive and multi-step journey that ensures a game is ready for international markets. It typically involves the following steps:

  • Preparation: This initial phase involves identifying the target languages and regions, and creating a detailed localization plan. This plan outlines the scope, timeline, and resources needed for the project.
  • Translation: In this step, the game’s text, audio, and visual elements are translated into the target languages. This requires skilled translators who are not only fluent in the language but also familiar with gaming terminology and culture.
  • Culturalization: Beyond translation, this step involves modifying the game’s cultural references and gameplay mechanics to suit local preferences. This might include changing character names, altering storylines, or adjusting in-game jokes and references.
  • Testing: Rigorous testing is conducted to ensure that the localized game meets the required quality standards. This includes checking for linguistic accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and technical functionality.
  • Launch: Finally, the localized game is launched in the target markets, ready to be enjoyed by a new audience of players.
Game Localization
Game Localization

Localization for Different Platforms

Localization is not a one-size-fits-all process; it varies depending on the gaming platform. Here’s how it applies to different platforms:

  • PC: Localization for PC games involves translating the game’s text, audio, and visual elements, as well as modifying the game’s mechanics and cultural references to suit the target audience.
  • Console: For console games, additional considerations are required, such as ensuring that the game meets the platform holder’s guidelines and regulations. This might involve specific technical adjustments and compliance checks.
  • Mobile: Mobile game localization involves optimizing the game for smaller screens and touch-based interfaces. It also requires ensuring that the game meets the app store’s guidelines and regulations, which can vary by region.
  • Cloud: Cloud gaming presents unique challenges, as the game must be accessible and playable on various devices and platforms. Localization for cloud games ensures that the game delivers a seamless experience across different hardware and network conditions.

In Addition to Video game Localization Services, We Offer:

Localization for Different Genres

Different video game genres have unique localization needs. Here’s how localization can be tailored to various genres:

  • Action: Localization for action games involves translating the game’s text and audio, as well as modifying the game’s mechanics and cultural references to ensure a thrilling and immersive experience for players.
  • Adventure: Adventure games often have rich narratives and complex storylines. Localization for these games requires a deep understanding of the game’s narrative and cultural context to maintain the story’s integrity and emotional impact.
  • Role-playing (RPGs): RPGs are known for their detailed worlds and character interactions. Localization for RPGs involves translating extensive text and audio, as well as modifying gameplay mechanics and cultural references to create an engaging and authentic experience.
  • Sports: Sports games require a deep understanding of the sport and its cultural context. Localization for sports games involves translating commentary, player names, and in-game text, as well as ensuring that the game reflects the local sports culture accurately.

By localizing their games for different genres and platforms, developers can ensure that their games are accessible and enjoyable for players around the world, regardless of their preferences or gaming habits.

Game Localization
Game Localization

Coding and Testing in Video Game Localization

We ensure that your source content is multiple languages-ready. Your video game’s code is written to allow you to create versions of your product in other languages easily and with low cost. Accurate game translation is crucial to engage international audiences effectively. Once your product is localized on all levels, we run it through rigorous testing to ensure that it is market-ready. This includes:

  • Making sure the coding works correctly
  • Testing the user experience in different markets
  • Ensuring that the visual design is optimum with no cosmetic issues
  • Removing any inappropriate references and wording
  • Making sure the translation is fresh and engaging
  • Comprehensive translation services to cover in-game dialogue, character descriptions, and cultural nuances

Video Game Voice-Over Services

We hand-pick the right talent for your video game’s characters through selective, extensive voice casting.

No more losing the passion, purpose, context, or tone of your wording in mediocre translation or clumsy casting. We understand that you need more than just a native speaker for your project, and we know that you want more than just an actor. Through extensive voice auditioning and the strictest submission standards, we can play the necessary role in your game’s international success.

Game Localization