Game Localization means translating the game and adapting the game according to the culture of the country where the game is getting released. Video game localization is done to enter new target markets, increase the number of players, and boost revenue. Did you know that the video game industry will hit USD 583.69 billion by 2030. The cost of game localization can vary, so it is essential to consider all the facts and options available to meet the budget requirements.
In this blog, we have discussed the cost of game localization, the factors affecting game localization cost, and how to find a reasonable Game localization price in the industry.
List of factors that affect game localization cost
Video games are developed and designed to draw gamers from all around the world and let them immerse in the video game journey. Game localization process has become a crucial part of the gaming industry. The question here arises, how much does the game localization cost, and what factors affect the game localization cost?
We have listed a few factors that affect the game localization cost.
1. Language Combination
The cost of game localization can vary depending on the language pairs required. Languages are more intricate to translate than others and can impact the costs. Many target markets have more than one language and many regional dialects. Language pairs can be expensive compared to some common languages.
2. Cultural adaptation
The localization process often requires adapting the game to the cultural norms and customs of the target market. It involves changing specific elements of the game, such as characters, graphics, or references, to better appeal to the target market. The more cultural nuances required, the higher the cost.
3. Quality of the source material
The quality of the original game can have an impact on the cost of the Localization process. Suppose the source material is poorly written or has inconsistencies. It may require more time and effort to localize it effectively. The amount of text that needs to be translated, localized, and tested for quality assurance can impact the localization cost. The more text there is in the game, the more it will cost to translate and localize it.
4. Technical requirements
Certain games require specialized technical expertise to localize, such as games with online multiplayer components or virtual reality elements. For instance, A Game with medical content will require technical jargon, Terminology research will be required hence increasing the localization costs. Generally, games have complex text formatting, such as multiple font sizes, colors, or styles, all these factors can increase the localization cost.
5. Timeframe
The amount of time available to complete the localization process can also impact localization costs. Rushed localization projects with tight deadlines typically require more resources and can increase overall localization costs. The deadline impacts the cost of the localization project. Localization costs will be higher if the turnaround time of a localization project is quick.
6. Quality Assurance
If the game requires high-quality localizations, such as for a premium title, this can increase localization costs due to additional proofreading, editing, and quality assurance checks. Localization projects need an extra time frame for quality assurance checks. The classic example of quality assurance is during the Localization of ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’. The game was released with many errors to the point where the company had to re-release the game to fix the translation and localization errors.
7. Team Size
A specific team is assigned for the localization project. Creating a team impacts the process in the workflow. For higher quality, the team will include an editor, translator, and quality assurance specialist. And if the localization is done by a translation agency then a project manager will be added to the workflow. All these factors will automatically increase the cost of the localization project.
Breaking down the cost of game localization
The cost of the localization project can depend on the services you entail for the game localization project. For the game localization process, you can work with freelance translators or with a localization and translation agency. With freelance translators, the localization services can cost $0.06-$0.15 per word and $20- $40 per. Prices depend on the specialization, language, and region of the Freelance translator.
The freelance translator should be specialized in game localization because the content of the game can be tricky, it requires someone who is well adapted to the game localization process so that they can localize it accurately. With game localization agencies, the cost adds at least 20%-40% of the costs compared to working with freelancers. It depends on the number of languages and language pairs that are needed for localization.
Translation agencies have linguists to work with if there is an urgent localization task with a tight deadline. All these costs vary depending on the processes, region, and level of quality you are looking for in the localization project. The above-mentioned price is estimates gathered from game developers, publishers, and different localization agencies.
Who offers reasonable game localization prices in the industry?
The game localization process is difficult. And choosing the right game localization prices in the game industry can be tricky. Choosing the right translation agency is an essential component when going through the game localization process. With professional gaming localization services, we at Naarg are here to help. Naarg provides the best experience in professional gaming localization services.
Our video game localization services will make your games engaging and enjoyable to various audiences in your targeted languages and market. You can engage your games with a broader audience through our video game localization services. Our team has a dedicated team that handles urgent translations, updates materials, and thrives under tight deadlines.
As a video game localization agency, we have a professional team of video game localization experts in the gaming industry, we make sure every detail is covered to deliver the gaming experience of a lifetime.
Our team has proven experience in the Localization of the newest games, and we are well-versed in applying those techniques. Most importantly, we possess the approach needed to ensure sustained success in a local market.
Want to learn more about our gaming localization services, reach us at info@naargmedia.com to know more about our services
