Localization is the process of adapting a video game to different languages and cultures. This ensures that the game’s content is accessible to a worldwide audience, enabling players from all corners of the world to enjoy it.
Localizing video games for a global market can reap a variety of benefits for game developers, such as opening the door to new markets, increasing the game’s visibility, and improving the user experience.
This guide provides an overview of the localization process, and covers key topics such as pre-localization steps, translating content, audio and video localization, testing and quality assurance, compliance requirements, and marketing and promotion.
Preparing to Localize
Before beginning to localize a video game, developers need to consider which platforms they will localize for and choose a localization vendor.
Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox are popular choices, but developers should consider the target audiences of each platform before making a selection. It’s important to set a localization budget, as this will help to determine the scope of the project and make sure that the budget is realistic.
The Localization Process
Once the platforms and budget have been established, the localization process can begin. Pre-localization steps include gathering all the game assets, such as text and audio files, and preparing them for localization.
This involves organizing the files, creating a style guide, and developing a glossary of game-specific terms.
After the files have been prepared, the content can be translated into the target languages. Depending on the size and scope of the project, the translations may be done in-house or outsourced to a localization vendor.
Audio and video localization is the next step in the process for a game translation company.
This process involves adapting audio and video elements of the game to the target language. This includes translating any subtitles, dubbing voice-overs, and recording or creating any sound effects that need to be localized.
After the content has been translated, tested, and approved, post-localization steps such as integrating the localized content back into the game can be completed.
Releasing Your Localized Game
Once the localized game is complete, it is important to put it through rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure that all content is accurate and up to the standards of the game developer.
Compliance requirements such as rating boards and age restrictions also need to be taken into consideration, as these can vary from country to country. Finally, the game needs to be marketed and promoted to the target audiences for maximum visibility.
Conclusion
Localizing video games for a global audience is a complex process, but one that can be extremely beneficial for game developers.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, game developers can ensure that their games are accessible to a worldwide audience, and increase their chances of success.
With the right platform, localization vendor, budget, and marketing strategy, game developers can reap the rewards of having a localized game available to a global market.