This article was contributed by Yuriy Denisyuk who works as Game Production Lead at Pingle Studio.
Video game porting refers to the process of adapting a video game from one platform to another. This can involve making changes to the game's code, graphics, and other elements to ensure that it runs smoothly on the new platform.
Localization is an important part of this process. It involves adapting the game's content and presentation to better suit the cultural and linguistic needs of players in different regions. This can include translating text, recording new voice-overs, and making changes to in-game elements such as characters and settings.
By localizing a video game during the porting process, developers can help ensure that it resonates with players in different regions and provides a more enjoyable gaming experience.
What Game Localization is?
Localization is the process of adapting a product or service to meet the language, cultural and other requirements of a specific country or region. In the context of video games, this can involve:
- Translating text;
- Recording new voice-overs in different languages;
- Making changes to in-game elements such as characters and settings to better suit the cultural norms and expectations of players in different regions.
Importance of Localization in Video Game Porting
Localization is important in video game porting because it helps ensure that the game resonates with players in different regions. By adapting the game's content and presentation to better suit local tastes and preferences, developers can help create a more enjoyable gaming experience for players. This can also help increase the game's popularity and success in different markets.
Some benefits of localization in video game porting include:
- Improved player engagement;
- Increased sales and revenue;
- Enhanced brand reputation;
- Greater customer satisfaction.
The Process of Game Localization
Localization is an important part of the video game development process. It involves adapting a game's content and presentation to better suit the cultural and linguistic needs of players in different regions. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the steps involved in localizing a video game and some of the challenges and considerations that developers face.
Steps Involved in Localizing a Video Game
- Assessing the Scope of Localization: The first step in localizing a video game is to assess the scope of localization required. This involves identifying which elements of the game need to be localized and determining how much work will be involved.
- Translating Text: Once the scope of localization has been assessed, developers can begin translating text elements such as dialogue, menus, and tutorials into different languages.
- Recording New Voice-Overs: In addition to translating text, developers may also need to record new voice-overs in different languages for characters and narration.
- Adapting In-Game Elements: Localization can also involve making changes to in-game elements such as characters and settings to better suit the cultural norms and expectations of players in different regions.
- Testing: Once all localization work has been completed, it's important for developers to test the localized version of the game to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Challenges and Considerations
Localizing a video game can be a complex process with many challenges and considerations. Some common challenges include:
- Cultural Differences: One challenge that developers face when localizing a video game is accounting for cultural differences between regions. This can involve making changes to in-game elements such as characters and settings to better suit local tastes and preferences.
- Language Barriers: Another challenge is overcoming language barriers when translating text and recording new voice-overs. Developers may need to work with professional translators or voice actors who are fluent in multiple languages.
- Technical Limitations: Technical limitations can also pose challenges during localization. For example, some platforms may have restrictions on text length or character sets that need to be taken into account when localizing text elements.
Case Studies
There have been many examples of both successful and unsuccessful localizations in video game porting. Successful localization often involves addressing language translation, cultural interpretation, and monetization. For example, Mortal Kombat 11 is a very violent game known for its gore and graphic game endings. While popular in the West, these elements were not well received in Japan.
On the other hand, there have been instances where poor translation has led to confusion or misinterpretation among players. For example, one infamous quote from Final Fantasy VII is “This guy are sick,” which is an example of a translation error. Another example is Tales of Berseria which had some localization issues.
Overall, localizing a video game is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By considering all aspects of the game and adapting them to suit local tastes and preferences, developers can help ensure that their games are accessible and enjoyable for players around the world.
The Bottom Line
Localization is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential for game developers and publishers looking to expand their reach and revenue streams. In addition to improving the accessibility of the game, localization can also enhance the player experience by creating a more immersive and engaging environment that feels tailored to their needs.
Looking to the future, advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence are likely to make the localization process faster and more accurate. Additionally, as the global gaming market continues to grow, developers and publishers will need to prioritize localization to remain competitive and tap into new markets. Ultimately, the role of localization in video game porting will only continue to become more important as the industry evolves and expands.
About the author
Yuriy Denisyuk is Game Production Lead at Pingle Studio. He's responsible for successfully managing the Game Production pipeline. Yuriy is this lucky person who plays the best games for work to keep up with trends and create new ones. He likes writing and reading Manga, fantasy, and professional literature in his free time.
Last Updated on March 14, 2023 10:01 pm CET by Markus Kasanmascheff
