Sunyu Transphere’s Post

Finding the Cultural Sweet Spot in Game Localization In game localization, domestication plays a crucial role. By using familiar cultural references, we can bridge the gap between the game's world and the target audience. However, finding the sweet spot is key. Overdoing it can make the game feel generic or lose its unique cultural flavor. Too little domestication can leave players confused or disengaged. Imagine jokes that fall flat due to cultural references, or gameplay that feel unfamiliar because of cultural differences. On the other hand, overdoing domestication can strip away the game's unique identity. This could involve changing the setting entirely or the characters' personalities to fit a different stereotype. In my current gaming project set in ancient China, I faced this balancing act. To convey a sense of history without resorting dialogues and texts entirely to archaic English, I translated characters' titles in Latin. This approach allows players to understand the characters are living somewhere in the past while maintaining the game's distinct cultural setting. What are your thoughts? Have you encountered any interesting ways games convey historical context without resorting to archaic language? Share your experiences and let's discuss the art of localization! #translation #localization #gamelocalization #translators #freelancetranslators

#Translatorsinthecredits is a movement important for all of us. My colleague, Natalia Paterek (she/her), is preparing a series of articles about crediting translators and we'd love your support. The more we discuss this topic, the more general awareness we have. Below is a form to share you own experiences about crediting and building a portfolio in games localization. Sharing with your network will be much appreciated! https://lnkd.in/d5XCTr4e #xl8 #l10n #gamelocalization #gameloca #gameloc #gametranslation #gamelocalizers

Localization is often one of the last things developers think about. There are so many elements to it, making it a rather complicated problem to design for. Here's another consideration to keep in mind when thinking about localization, especially in games: https://lnkd.in/g6AaiaJy

➰ How much does video game translation cost ❓ It's a question that pops up frequently in the #gaming industry, but giving a specific price is tricky because of the many factors involved Let's quickly break down the key elements that affect video game translation costs: 1️⃣ Word count The main factor in determining translation costs is the word count. Games with lots of dialogue, quests, and menus, like the epic CD PROJEKT RED's Cyberpunk 2077, will need more translation work than smaller games like Hades. Keep track of your game's word count to estimate translation expenses accurately. 2️⃣ Language pairs The language pair you choose greatly impacts translation costs. Some languages have more available translators, which means lower prices. On top of that, labor markets also affect these costs. I.e., a translator in Germany can usually charge more than one from Bangladesh. Pick your target languages wisely to make the most of your budget. 3️⃣ Quality: The level of quality you want directly affects the cost of translation. High-quality translations need reviewers, editors, translators, and project managers. If you're on a tight budget, Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) 🤖 services can be a good middle ground between quality and cost. 4️⃣ Quick example ✔ For a small(ish) game with about 10,000 words. ✔ 1 language pair costing $0.17 per word. ✔ And little to no review process. You can expect to pay roughly $1,700 to $2,000 💰 5️⃣ Extra costs Once we move into more than pure translation, it becomes, well, complicated. Things like multilingual voice-overs, testing, and cultural consultation can add to the overall costs. But these extras are often optional and can be adjusted based on your needs and budget. If you're on a tight budget, there are ways to cut translation costs. But it's important to know that cutting costs often means sacrificing quality. Think carefully about how important quality is compared to your budget constraints before making a decision. If you'd like to dive into the world of localization costs, then jump into our guide below where we discuss it all 👇 https://lnkd.in/gBC6qiGx #localization #translation #translationcosts #localizationcosts #videogametranslation #transphere #translationagency #gaminglocalization

The Importance of Cultural Adaptation in Game Localization: A Focus on the MENA Region Cultural adaptation is a critical aspect of game localization that often gets overlooked. It involves tailoring the game's content, visuals, and mechanics to resonate with the cultural preferences and values of the target audience. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, cultural adaptation is particularly important due to the region's unique cultural, religious, and social norms. Here are some key cultural factors to consider when localizing games for the MENA market: Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in the MENA region, and religious sensitivities must be carefully considered. Avoid content that could be offensive to Muslims. Social Norms: There are strict social norms and customs in the MENA region, and games should avoid depicting anything that could be considered inappropriate or offensive. Language: Arabic is the primary language spoken in the MENA region, and games should be accurately translated into Arabic. It's also important to consider regional dialects and variations in the language. Symbols and Imagery: Certain symbols and imagery may have different meanings in the MENA region than in other parts of the world. It's essential to use culturally appropriate symbols and imagery. Gender Roles: Gender roles in the MENA region can be more conservative than in other parts of the world. Games should avoid depicting gender stereotypes or objectification. By understanding and addressing these cultural factors, game developers can create a more engaging and culturally relevant experience for MENA players. This can lead to increased player satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, commercial success. Al Motarjem is a leading provider of game localization services in the MENA region. Our team of experienced linguists and cultural experts can help you to ensure that your games are accurately translated and culturally adapted for the MENA market. Contact us today to learn more about how https://www.almotarjem.co/ can help you to succeed in the MENA gaming market.

The Challenge of “Keeping the Term in English” As translators, we often encounter the phrase “keep the term in English” when working on game localization projects. It’s a simple instruction, but it opens up a world of questions: Which terms should stay in English? Why? And how do we decide? Gamers are used to certain English terms like “boss,” “level up,” and “AFK,” and keeping these in English often feels natural and consistent with the global gaming culture. Sometimes, these terms have no perfect equivalent in the target language, or translating them might disrupt the flow of the game or even confuse players. On the flip side, deciding to leave some terms untranslated requires careful thought. What works for one gaming community might not resonate with another. For example, players in one region might be more comfortable with localized terms, while another region might heavily lean toward the original English phrasing. Ultimately, the art of localization is about understanding the players' habits and preferences. It’s not just about translating words - it’s about creating an immersive, enjoyable experience that feels authentic, whether we adapt or stick to English. What’s your take on this? Are there terms in your language you’d rather see left untranslated? Let’s discuss! 🎮🌍 #vtlocalize #translationservice #localization #l10n #game #gaming #translation -------- VT Localize - Your Localize Expert 📞 : +84 (0) 906 246 555 🌐 : vtlocalize.com

Game localization : beyond translation! Another example from Horizon Zero Dawn : Forbidden West, is the fon and style used to spell out the game name in the main screen. The font and style used is within the same styles used for the whole game and the theme of it, a mixture between coding, data, and primitive style of the tribes in the game. But from an Arabic perspective the word is bearly readable! The first letter in هورايزن which is ه really looks like ط! That's why you should always consult the translation and localization professionals as they would guide you to the path for your game to succeed. #localization #translation #gamingindustry #gamelocalization

Why can you NOT reach your highest potential in a region without localization? 🌍 Because people purchase a game (or anything in general) mainly based on one thing—their emotions. ❤️ It’s not just about translation—it’s about connection. Think of it this way: Would you rather play a game that talks to you in your language, or one that feels foreign? Turkish players? They love it when a game speaks Turkish. It’s like a love letter from the devs. 💌 Imagine a player seeing their favorite character greet them in Turkish. It’s more than words—it’s a bond. And that bond is what turns casual players into loyal fans. Localization isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. It’s the difference between a game that sells okay and a game that thrives. 🚀 So, why is localization crucial? Because it taps into emotions, and emotions drive sales. Ready to connect with your audience on a deeper level? Reach out and let’s make it happen. #videogames #gamedev #gamelocalization #turkishtranslator #translator

Western game developers keep missing out on the fastest-growing markets by focusing too much on EFIGS. While they remain super important, other languages have more than caught up. In fact, in the past 5 years, Steam has seen astounding growth in Asia and South America: ✔️ Over 150% growth in Japan, India, Mexico, and Pakistan. ✔️ Over 100% growth in China, Serbia, Spain, and the Philippines. On Steam alone, at least 28% of users select Simplified Chinese as their core language 🐼   In Kassidy Gerber's (Steam Business Team) own words: "We find that regularly developers are shocked at their customer base in countries they could never have predicted... it would be a big mistake to ship a game on Steam in 2024 and not at least consider Simplified Chinese." Don't let your game be another missed opportunity. Start tapping into the power of localization today 👇 https://lnkd.in/egXnnia #localization #steam #pcgaming #gaming #translation #localizationservices #localizationagency #translationagency

Game Localization is the process of adapting a video game for different regions and languages, ensuring that cultural nuances and language-specific elements are preserved. It involves translating text, voiceovers, and adjusting in-game references to suit local customs. Successful localization makes a game feel native to the player, enhancing immersion and enjoyment. #GameLocalization #GamingCulture #Translation #EkitaiSolutions