Video games, we use them for multiple purposes: entertainment, knowledge sharing, for cognitive benefits. The first video games came out in the 1950s made by many computer scientists. Video games were simple electronic games created to test the capabilities of computers.
In the primary stage, video games are popular. Video games were made for entertainment, storytelling, and learning new skills; they have different purposes. Video games are an integral part of children’s lives.
Initially, video games were available only on a TV set or computer, but nowadays, video games are in everyone’s pocket as mobiles. There are many kinds of video games now, and many of them are interactive, like two-way communication.
The gaming industry is the most emerging in the world, and its market is very dynamic. The gaming industry is developing and making changes day by day to increase its fan base by creating games in many languages while considering audience requirements.
The video games industry experiences rapid growth with enriching features. During the pandemic, the gaming industry has its peak time because of the increase in audience and the much-needed break from work.
As the gaming industry grows, educational games are becoming more popular. Distance learning. According to gaming statistics, approximately 3 billion people worldwide play video games.
14.1 billion people downloaded mobile video games. 85% of revenue comes from free games. We can’t believe that six out of ten people enjoy video games.
What is video game localization?
Localization of video games refers to making a game or application culturally, regionally, and linguistically compatible so that it can be sold globally. Therefore, translation and localization have equal importance.
Localization is the process of making released or old video games fit for the market where they were developed. Examples can be found in the history of the video game industry, such as Pack Man, which had the original name of Puck Man. But game developers realized that Puck would sound like slang in the United States, so they changed the name.
When you hear about the localization of video games, the first thing that comes to mind is the dialogue of the game, through which all storytelling happens. But it is much more than simply translating the words; there is a whole system of string conversion developed for this task.
As you know, Modern games are specially designed to give a personalized gaming experience to players and impress them with an unbelievable virtual environment. The center point of localization is a sense of authenticity while playing the game. Every player from any part of the world should feel connected to the lead characters of the game.
Game localization tools also play an important role in game localization. Head over to our blog ‘5 best game localization tools in 2023.’ to understand the importance of game localization tools.
Localization is the process of adapting to a different culture. Cultural interests of those particular regions, which include translation, images, tone, feel, style, and user experience, influence the audience.
What is the video game localization process like?
Generally, localization is divided into two stages: one is “post-gold,” which means there is a gap between the release of the localized version and the original. Second, Sim City is the opposite, where localization is done before the release of the original game.
Most of the time, localized projects are outsourced, where localization teams provide localization support. This localization kit has all the necessary information about the game, such as the point of contact, project deadlines, and game details. It also has useful and confidential resources like the plot, character descriptions, cheat codes, and a complete walk-through.
Below are a few steps for localization:
1. Plan the localization strategy
Input for this step is the country or region for which you are localizing the video game. Through this step, you define the scope of the project and list out the components, both language-related and culture-related.
2. Create the lockit
As mentioned above, lockit is created as soon as the target language and audience are finalized. The localization partner is crucial to the lockit sign-off process. A better lockdown helps partners finalize projects on time.
3. Updating the translation management system for the project
The dialogue or text that needs to be translated is extracted from the game program and uploaded into the translation management system, which helps in increasing the speed and error-proofing of localization.
4. Translation process
In this stage, actual translation occurs while the translator converts the text upload to the translation management system. Other teams do the decoration work, like binding the political and cultural affluent in the game, defining the color and sound of the game, and other game components.
5. Assurance of quality
Partner teams ensure the quality of their work by running different simulation tests. The various tests carried out by specialized teams highlight the special care taken for the game’s unique features. If a check sheet is prepared in Lockit so that the partner will not miss anything, the quality assurance team also sends suggestions for improvement to the translator or game developer.
What is the significance of video game localization?
Video game localization offers more benefits so that more people can enjoy games.
1) To improve sales
The ultimate goal of any add-on process is to improve the value proposition of that product. Localization is directly related to the sales figures of the game. In-game market sales increase as more players understand the plot.
2) To increase the number of downloads
Localizing games has an advantage over locally made games in terms of available resources and content. As more players play this game globally, more chart discussion is generated each day. The chart forums or personally developed sites become another platform to sell extra gear in the game (like weapons and level-up wild cards). It not only improves the sales figure but also enhances the traffic on the site and the number of downloads.
3) Prevent general user anger
Sometimes directly translated text is perceived negatively in some countries. At the time of localization, extra care should be taken to prevent or mitigate this negative review.
4) To maintain control over the game
We have seen many examples of customization done by the fanbase, which poses the danger of piracy but can directly affect sales figures by creating new competitors. A localized version of the game was required for better control.
5) To improve ratings
A good app rating not only indicates the user experience of existing players but also helps to attract new ones. The company can experiment with new customers, as they do not have any particular experience with video games.
6) Create more download traffic
Because many gamers prefer to download games that offer exciting incentives, they should have the impression that it was custom-made for them.
7) Increase the number of reviews
A localized game will get positive reviews. Ratings are important in advertising because they can go global.
8) Build new customers
A blameless localization encourages new communities to enter the gaming world. As a result, the game and its developer will benefit from user feedback.
9) Releasing benefits
The launch of new games, which will be available in multiple languages, will be an opportunity to increase the fanbase.
10) Invade into a new market
Localization covers every aspect of a region, including food, culture, and traditions. A multinational corporation can enter a local or regional way of life.
How should I choose my video game localization partner?
Localization partners should provide a turn-key solution that not only helps to translate or sandbox the video game but also provides value-added insights like names, color schemes, story aroma, and historical significance.
They should have all the required skill sets, specialists, and subject matter experts under one roof for successful localization. There are basic skills that every partner must possess, including graphics design, subtitling, animation, and voice recording.
The main question is how to choose the best localization partner; there are many options, such as companies that only deal with localization and other behemoths with extensive portfolios and resources to handle any size project.
And answer to this question is to check the track record, audit the operation process, take a lot of interviews with the project manager and consultant of the partner firm, and analyze whether decisions and Suggestions are supported by clear data. Finally, understand the culture and atmosphere of the company. Localization partners are critical to the video game’s success.
With the help of Naarg, get 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 markets. Want to learn more about our gaming localization services, reach us at info@naargmedia.com to know more about our services.
