The Game Localization Handbook: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Localizing Games
The Game Localization Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Game Developers and Publishers
If you are a game developer or publisher who wants to reach a global audience with your games, you need to know about game localization. Game localization is the process of adapting a game to different languages, cultures, and markets. It involves not only translating the text and audio of the game, but also adjusting the graphics, interface, gameplay, and other elements to suit the preferences and expectations of the target players.
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Game localization can be a complex and challenging task, but also a rewarding and profitable one. In this article, we will explain what game localization is, why it is important, and how to do it right. We will also introduce you to some of the best resources available for learning more about game localization and accessing useful tools and platforms.
What is game localization and why is it important?
Game localization definition and scope
Game localization is a subset of software localization, which is the process of adapting software products to different languages, cultures, and markets. According to Heather Chandler and Stephanie O'Malley Deming, authors of The Game Localization Handbook, game localization can be defined as "the preparation of a game for a new locale" . A locale is "a combination of language and culture that affects how users interact with software" . For example, English (US) and English (UK) are two different locales that share the same language but have different cultural aspects.
The scope of game localization depends on the type and genre of the game, as well as the target markets and platforms. However, some of the common elements that are involved in game localization are:
Text: This includes all the written content of the game, such as dialogues, menus, subtitles, instructions, tutorials, manuals, etc.
Audio: This includes all the spoken content of the game, such as voiceovers, sound effects, music, etc.
Graphics: This includes all the visual content of the game, such as icons, logos, symbols, images, animations, etc.
Interface: This includes all the elements that allow the user to interact with the game, such as buttons, menus, icons, fonts, colors, etc.
Gameplay: This includes all the aspects that affect how the game is played, such as rules, mechanics, difficulty levels, feedback systems, etc.
Cultural: This includes all the aspects that relate to the cultural context and background of the game, such as references, humor, values, norms, etc.
All these elements need to be localized in a way that preserves the original meaning, intent, and style of the game, while also making it accessible, understandable, and enjoyable for the target players.
Game localization benefits and challenges
Game localization can bring many benefits for both developers and publishers, as well as players. Some of these benefits are:
Increase in sales and revenue: By localizing a game, you can reach new markets and customers who would otherwise not be able to play or enjoy your game due to language or cultural barriers.
Enhance in reputation and brand awareness: By localizing a game, you can show your respect and appreciation for the different cultures and preferences of your players, and build a loyal and satisfied fan base.
Improve in quality and usability: By localizing a game, you can improve the overall quality and usability of your game, as you can identify and fix any bugs, errors, or inconsistencies that may arise during the localization process.
However, game localization also poses many challenges for both developers and publishers, as well as translators and testers. Some of these challenges are:
High cost and time: Game localization can be a costly and time-consuming process, as it requires a lot of resources, tools, and expertise to localize all the elements of a game in a professional and accurate way.
Complexity and diversity: Game localization can be a complex and diverse process, as it involves many different types of content, formats, platforms, and markets that need to be localized in a consistent and coherent way.
Creativity and adaptation: Game localization can be a creative and adaptive process, as it requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and sensitivity to localize the content of a game in a way that preserves its original essence and style, while also adapting it to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target players.
Game localization best practices and standards
To overcome these challenges and achieve these benefits, it is important to follow some best practices and standards for game localization. Some of these best practices and standards are:
Involve localization from the start: Game localization should not be an afterthought or a last-minute task, but rather an integral part of the game development process from the beginning. This way, you can avoid or minimize any potential issues or delays that may arise later on.
Design for localization: Game localization should not be seen as a mere translation or adaptation of the game content, but rather as a design decision that affects how the game is created and presented. This way, you can ensure that your game is compatible and flexible for different languages, cultures, and markets.
Collaborate with localization experts: Game localization should not be done by amateurs or inexperienced people, but rather by professionals who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to localize games in a high-quality and efficient way. This way, you can rely on their expertise and guidance to localize your game according to the best practices and standards of the industry.
How to plan and execute a successful game localization project?
Game localization pre-production: analysis, budgeting, and scheduling
The first stage of a game localization project is the pre-production stage, where you need to analyze, budget, and schedule your project. This stage involves the following steps:
Analyze your game: You need to analyze your game in terms of its type, genre, platform, content, features, target markets, languages, etc. This will help you determine the scope, complexity, and requirements of your localization project.
Budget your project: You need to budget your project in terms of its cost, resources, tools, vendors, etc. This will help you allocate the necessary funds, personnel, equipment, etc. for your localization project.
Schedule your project: You need to schedule your project in terms of its milestones, deadlines, deliverables, etc. This will help you plan and coordinate the different tasks, phases, and stages of your localization project.
Game localization production: translation, integration, and testing
The second stage of a game localization project is the production stage, where you need to translate, integrate, and test your game. This stage involves the following steps:
Translate your game: You need to translate your game in terms of its text, audio, graphics, interface, gameplay, cultural elements, etc. This will help you adapt your game to the different languages, cultures, and markets of your target players.
Integrate your game: You need to integrate your game in terms of its code, engine, format, etc. This will help you implement your translated content into your game software without affecting its functionality or performance.
Test your game: You need to test your game in terms of its quality, usability, compatibility, etc. This will help you verify that your localized game works properly and meets the expectations and needs of your target players.
Game localization post-production: delivery, approval, and maintenance
you need to deliver, approve, and maintain your game. This stage involves the following steps:
Deliver your game: You need to deliver your game in terms of its format, platform, distribution, etc. This will help you release your localized game to the market and make it available for your target players.
Approve your game: You need to approve your game in terms of its quality, compliance, feedback, etc. This will help you ensure that your localized game meets the standards and regulations of the industry and the market, and that it satisfies the requirements and expectations of your clients and players.
Maintain your game: You need to maintain your game in terms of its updates, patches, support, etc. This will help you keep your localized game up to date and functional, and to address any issues or problems that may arise after its release.
How to learn more about game localization and access useful resources?
Game localization books and articles
If you want to learn more about game localization and access useful resources, one of the best ways is to read books and articles on the topic. There are many books and articles that cover different aspects of game localization, such as theory, practice, case studies, interviews, etc. Some of the most recommended books and articles are:
The Game Localization Handbook by Heather Chandler and Stephanie O'Malley Deming: This is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on game localization, covering all the stages and elements of the process, as well as providing practical advice, examples, and interviews from industry experts .
Game Localization: Translating for the Global Digital Entertainment Industry by Minako O'Hagan and Carmen Mangiron: This is another comprehensive and authoritative book on game localization, focusing on the linguistic and cultural aspects of the process, as well as providing theoretical frameworks, case studies, and research findings .
Fun for All: Translation and Accessibility Practices in Video Games edited by Carmen Mangiron, Pilar Orero, and Minako O'Hagan: This is a collection of articles that explore the issues and challenges of translating and making video games accessible for different audiences, such as children, people with disabilities, or people with different cultural backgrounds .
The Journal of Internationalization and Localization: This is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on various topics related to internationalization and localization, including game localization. It features both theoretical and empirical studies, as well as reviews and reports .
The Localization Reader: Adapting Software for the Global Market edited by Alain Désilets et al.: This is a collection of articles that provide an overview of the field of software localization, including game localization. It covers topics such as localization models, methods, tools, standards, quality, etc .
Game localization courses and workshops
If you want to learn more about game localization and access useful resources, another way is to take courses and workshops on the topic. There are many courses and workshops that offer training and education on different aspects of game localization, such as theory, practice, tools, etc. Some of the most recommended courses and workshops are:
Game Localization Essentials by Udemy: This is an online course that teaches the basics of game localization, such as terminology, process, challenges, etc. It also provides practical exercises, quizzes, and assignments to test your knowledge and skills .
Game Localization Workshop by IGDA Localization SIG: This is a workshop that takes place at various events and conferences related to game development, such as GDC, Gamescom, etc. It features presentations, panels, and discussions from industry professionals who share their insights and experiences on game localization .
Game Localization Course by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona: This is a course that is part of the Master's Degree in Audiovisual Translation at UAB. It covers topics such as game genres, platforms, localization models, methods, tools, quality, etc. It also includes practical sessions with real games .
Game Localization Course by University of Washington: This is a course that is part of the Certificate in Localization: Customizing Software for the World at UW. It covers topics such as game localization process, challenges, strategies, tools, standards, etc. It also includes case studies and guest speakers from the industry .
Game Localization Course by Kent State University: This is a course that is part of the Master of Arts in Translation at KSU. It covers topics such as game localization theory, practice, research, etc. It also includes projects and assignments with real games .
Game localization tools and platforms
If you want to learn more about game localization and access useful resources, another way is to use tools and platforms on the topic. There are many tools and platforms that offer solutions and services for different aspects of game localization, such as translation, integration, testing, etc. Some of the most recommended tools and platforms are:
Lokalise: This is a cloud-based platform that allows you to manage and automate your game localization projects. It supports various formats, languages, and platforms, and integrates with various tools and services. It also features a collaborative editor, a translation memory, a glossary, a quality assurance module, etc .
memoQ: This is a software tool that allows you to translate and localize your game content. It supports various formats, languages, and platforms, and integrates with various tools and services. It also features a translation memory, a terminology database, a quality assurance module, etc .
Lionbridge Game Services: This is a service provider that offers end-to-end solutions for game localization. It covers all the stages and elements of the process, such as translation, integration, testing, etc. It also provides expertise, quality, and support for various genres, platforms, and markets .
LocDirect: This is a software tool that allows you to manage and automate your game localization projects. It supports various formats, languages, and platforms, and integrates with various tools and services. It also features a collaborative editor, a translation memory, a glossary, a quality assurance module, etc .
Transifex: This is a cloud-based platform that allows you to translate and localize your game content. It supports various formats, languages, and platforms, and integrates with various tools and services. It also features a collaborative editor, a translation memory, a glossary, a quality assurance module, etc .
Conclusion
Game localization is the process of adapting a game to different languages, cultures, and markets. It involves not only translating the text and audio of the game, but also adjusting the graphics, interface, gameplay, and other elements to suit the preferences and expectations of the target players.
Game localization can be a complex and challenging task, but also a rewarding and profitable one. It can increase the sales and revenue of your game, enhance your reputation and brand awareness, and improve the quality and usability of your game.
To achieve these benefits, you need to follow some best practices and standards for game localization, such as involving localization from the start, designing for localization, and collaborating with localization experts.
You also need to plan and execute a successful game localization project, which involves three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Each stage has its own steps and tasks that need to be completed in a professional and accurate way.
If you want to learn more about game localization and access useful resources, you can read books and articles on the topic, take courses and workshops on the topic, or use tools and platforms on the topic. These resources will help you gain more knowledge and skills on game localization, and make your game more accessible, understandable, and enjoyable for your global audience.
FAQs
What is the difference between game localization and game translation?
Game translation is a part of game localization that involves converting the text and audio of the game from one language to another. Game localization is a broader process that involves not only translating the text and audio of the game, but also adapting the graphics, interface, gameplay, and other elements of the game to different cultures and markets.
What are some of the common challenges of game localization?
and time, complexity and diversity, creativity and adaptation, quality and compatibility, etc.
What are some of the best resources for learning more about game localization?
Some of the best resources for learning more about game localization are: The Game Localization Handbook by Heather Chandler and Stephanie O'Malley Deming, Game Localization: Translating for the Global Digital Entertainment Industry by Minako O'Hagan and Carmen Mangiron, Game Localization Essentials by Udemy, Game Localization Workshop by IGDA Localization SIG, Lokalise, memoQ, Lionbridge Game Services, etc.
How to choose the best languages and markets for game localization?
To choose the best languages and markets for game localization, you need to consider several factors, such as: the size and potential of the market, the demand and popularity of your game genre and type, the competition and saturation of the market, the language and cultural preferences and expectations of the players, the cost and availability of localization resources, etc.
How to measure the quality and success of game localization?
To measure the quality and success of game localization, you need to use various methods and metrics, such as: quality assurance tests and tools, user feedback and reviews, sales and revenue data, market share and penetration data, user retention and engagement data, etc.
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