What is game Localization?

Video game localization is the adaptation of content that is supposed to be native in a region for its target audience. This is a highly complicated process which starts with a game testing team doing style guides, translation memories, and so on. Obviously, the best translators are gamers who know the genre.

Automated regular translation would save time and also produce consistent output. The proofreading process ensures that the translated work follows some style guide. Last but not least, the QA phase ensures that the translated content functions and fits in a cultural context also.

With all these processes, a good video game localization company would require a dedicated team for this sector to communicate properly with the players.

Importance of game Localization?

In today’s competitive gaming landscape, video game localization helps developers reach a much larger audience in the competitive gaming world nowadays. Not only does localization increase engagement levels among players, but it also increases sales in global markets. 

Some of the must-availing benefits a localization video game localization company must be collaborated with are as follows:

Boost Sales and Downloads

Video game localization increases more exposure and profitability. Due to non-understanding of English, games in English will access only 27% of the total world market. Focusing on the Asian-Pacific area, especially China and Japan, can boost sales significantly.

Other profitable areas for localization will be the FIGS region that covers France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, which have about 90 million gamers. Localization can stretch your market since most games in the Chinese App Store go to the top.

Enhance User Experience

Localization supports the better user experience by placing players in the narrative. If the players cannot understand the language, then they cannot imagine themselves into the product. Localization ensures that the game reaches the culture and language, thus higher satisfaction levels.

Maintain Competitiveness

A market where there are 2.2 million apps will ensure that your game edges out. A strategic focus on specific countries and languages is vital for success.

Eliminate Miscommunication

A professional video game localization company mitigates all the chances of misinterpretation since it’s something more than just translation. So, local slang, humor, and culturally related references are all very important regarding the adaptation of your game to engage the target audiences.

The process of localizing games

Video game localization is a complicated but important process through which video game developers can get their products targeting an audience across all nations and horizons. 

In effective localization, the language and even the cultural nuances are adapted that can resonate with players globally. A video game localization company can assist developers in such an intricate journey that generally involves the following steps: 

1. Pre-localization Planning

There needs to be a proper pre-localization planning phase before deep-diving into localization. This would include the game content, the target markets, and the precise localization needs. Developers need to define the culture elements that can be changed accordingly, such as humor, references, or perhaps not identical visuals across cultures. A well-defined plan sets the foundations for a smooth localization process and ensures all stakeholders are aligned on objectives and timelines.

2. Content Extraction

This involves gathering all game text and assets that require localization. This content ranges from dialogue to UI text and in-game instructions among other written materials. Video game localization companies generally use automation in this process with relevant tools designed for the same task, hence saving on human errors and complicated workflows.

3. Translation and Localization

Following content extraction is the translation phase, but localization of the game is always more than just translation. The narration of a game including the dialogue and all cultural components need to fit the target audience. Usually, experienced translators with a background in gaming perform this, maintaining the same tone and style as the original but also staying culturally relevant. This enhances player engagement preserving the crux of the game.

4. Localization of User Interface

Localization of UI is one of the major elements that aim to adapt the graphical interface of a game to the target language. This includes text on buttons, menus, and so forth. In addition, the UI must be aesthetically appealing and easy to navigate within the localized version, which quite often requires changes in layout and design. An experienced localization team should strive to keep the UI functionality and looks intact while leaving room for new text and cultural context.

5. Quality Assurance and Testing

This necessitates a rigorous QA testing after the translation and UI localization. QA is concerned with checking the game for linguistic or technical issues, grammatical mistakes, cultural mistakes, and that all UI functionalities are in order to ensure the best experience on the part of the players. 

6. Submission and Approval

This is followed by submission and approval for the game. Platforms may have specific rules and regulations in place when localizing. This phase traditionally refers to submitting the localized video game for approval into the app stores or console manufacturers. The time-frame can be variable, but the localization company of video games ensures that developers understand it efficiently and smoothly so that all documentation and standards are accomplished.

7. Post-localization Support

Launch of the game doesn’t complete the localization process of the game. Instead, it marks the onset of a rather crucial post-localization support phase. Issues that may have cropped up post-launch of the game, can be taken care of, such as, local content update based on the player feedbacks, bug-fixing, and addition of new features. 

Continuous support ensures that the game remains relevant and engaged with the target audience. A responsive video game localization company, who saw changes in the market and player expectations, would offer continuous support to help the game stay relevant with the audience.

Best practices for game localization

A successful video game localization is much more than just the translation of text. There’s more than meets the eye in the various cultures in the target market. 

Let's check out several best practices so that your game resonates with local players: 

Speak like a local

Use the local language to make your game fit into targeted markets. Identify new areas for consideration, such as the MENA region, where people speak in different languages, such as Arabic and Turkish. Be well abreast of local dialects to phrase yourself appropriately.

Use Professional Translators

Choose translators who are well conversant with gaming culture and jargon. The ones who know the industry can translate well without getting trapped in misinterpretation that is often prevalent in poor translations.

Localize Your Images

Use visuals and graphics that would appeal to locals in general. Cultural sensitivities are respected, with no imagery that could have adverse meanings in various cultures.

Flexible Design

Game design should be flexible enough to accommodate different languages and cultures. Avoid hard-coding but use resource files in the exterior, which would ease the updating and modification. 

Provide Context

Furnish localizers with ample information and resources; style guides, game details, etc. This keeps the heart of the original content while making the same content more relevant for a local audience. 

How Linguidoor can help with game localization

Take your game to the next level with Linguidoor; one of the established video game localization companies works as a guarantee to keep all your multilingual players hooked. 

Whether we are talking about small-quality in-game content translation or mobile app localization, all our services ensure that your game speaks your player's native language. 

We adapt UI elements and translate audio scripts to get across the refinement and authenticity of gaming experience through cultural consultancy. With our technical documentation and community engagement power, your players will be experiencing exceptional communication and involvement in the gaming environment. 

Conclusion

As gamers no longer have geographical borders, the only way you can compete effectively is through effective localization. With Linguidoor, you will ensure your game resonates authentically with diverse audiences, and this means higher player engagement as well as sales.

Get in touch with Linguidoor today to elevate your game localization strategy!