The game localization involves the modifications in the content, translation, and other required changes for the foreign market. The localization method also involves the process of globalization and other linguistic quality assessment.

This process is a lot more than a simple translation and is quite daunting. The localization of a video game is connected to the translation of in-game content and other language-related tasks. It also requires changes and modifications in the technical tasks of detaching the string codes and managing it all through a relevant localization management system.

The localization process consists of the following aspects

Translation

The translation is an integral part of the localization. It is foremost important to translate the content of the game. The translators translate the game’s text from the source language to the target language. Its text has to be translated as per the terms and nuances of the target market. It should have relevancy and the right context. There are translators who translate the content for the company. Therefore, you should find professional translator to translate the textual content of your game. These translators have to be proficient in the original language as well as the target language.

Editing & Proofreading

The translated content goes to the editors for proofreading and editing. Editing the content is very important and mandatory to excel in the process. The proper formatting required styles and textual formation is an essential part of the translation. Its spelling mistakes and the errors should be checked before approving it. The language and translation have to be accurate and fluent. Fixing the formatting errors, and taking care of the punctuation and other typos should be checked before finalizing the draft. Advanced proofreading is important to avoid errors and technical glitches in the later stages.

Integration

The proper integration is the backbone of the localization process. The upgrading of the translated material and its proper integration is inevitable in game localization. Other factors including the interface and its design and display are also important to take care of. Professional game translation management through TMS tools helps in the integration of all these tasks efficiently.

Regional changes

The localization has to be done as per the preferences and regional practices of the target audience. In China, they don’t allow video games with skulls, blood, or other religious significance. Australia doesn’t allow anything with alcohol or drugs. As for Korea, they get offended by religious beliefs.

Quality assurance

The quality assurance process involves the quality of the translation, evaluation of the content with the reference of the accuracy, and integrating it into the game. The marketing material and strategies should also be there in the localization. It is an important aspect of localization. The language quality assurance team needs to address the target market’s business norms and marketing strategies accordingly.

The Technicalities of the Localization Process

The localization process has a lot more to offer than simply having the translated content. It is better to be prepared well to implement a successful localization. The game localization involves a lot of technicalities and other technical requirements. A few to name are

Localization Strategy

The localization strategy is the effective localization of the games. The experts should carry out extensive and thorough preparation before starting the process. It helps in the completion of the project timely and according to the budget. The first step requires the determination of the content which needs translation. Its resources and the target audience should also be assessed. It further includes the parts of the games and the features which need adaptation and translation.

Running a LocKit

The set of localization tools is called LocKit. LocKit has all the details and guidance points about how the game and the related material should be used for translation. It also has the linguistic assets to assist the translators. This further requires putting the in-game data, the game’s settings, and other objects and plot animated characters. Besides that, it also includes the terms used in the translation.

Localizing the code

The localization of the code is also a fundamental part of it. The strings should be kept outside the code to seamlessly retrieve these into the game translation management system. It is important to translate it in a translation-friendly format for a hassle-free translation.

Installing the translation management system

The strings later get into the web to translate and for this, the repository should be combined with the translation management system. It is always better to use the customer-built connectors for the particular server. It will later ingest the content into the translation management system.

Actual Translation

After the extraction of the strings and saving these into a separate source, these are now ready to hand over to the translators. They can start their work right away. This is how the translation management system TMS works. The translators or other individuals don’t have to attempt or combine the source, rather the TMS can do it for them.

Quality Test

The quality test is always important and it cannot be compromised. There are translators who translate the content and then there are other independent translators who check for grammar and other spelling and linguistic errors. This is extremely important to practice to ensure high-quality translations.

Compatibility

This is the last step. After the translation, the text has to be revised, changed as per the requirements, and authorized. This step includes the reassembling of the game’s localized version. Here the machine translation software can help streamline the process. Moreover, It further involves the updating and adjusting of the UI/UX as well to ensure the sequence and order. The later stage involves the integration of the translated content and other appropriate changes.

Wrapping Up

Mastering the art of localization requires attention and understanding of cultural and regional intricacies. By considering the above-mentioned steps, you can extend your coverage to avid gamers and provide them with an immersive gaming experience.