In order to reach the widest possible audience for video games, successful localisation is one of the most important aspects. At Skrivanek Baltic, we make sure that the content of video games is not only translated in excellent quality but also adapted to the local market, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers.
WHY CHOOSE SKRIVANEK?
Industry experts. Our translators are linguistic professionals as well as passionate videogame enthusiasts, who always deliver a high-quality, carefully tailored product.
Cultural differences. We adapt the text so that it is not mechanically translated but rather transformed in a way that addresses the players speaking the target language.
Fast performance of works. We translate efficiently so the development of the video game is not delayed.
Quality check. Constant quality checks ensure accuracy – especially in the use of key terms – and an immersive gaming experience.
If you want to support different languages for your video game, contact us – we’ll find the best solution for you!
Or book an online consultation now!
In order to reach the widest possible audience for video games, successful localisation is one of the most important aspects. At Skrivanek Baltic, we make sure that the content of video games is not only translated in excellent quality but also adapted to the local market, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers.
WHY CHOOSE SKRIVANEK?
Industry experts. Our translators are linguistic professionals as well as passionate videogame enthusiasts, who always deliver a high-quality, carefully tailored product.
Cultural differences. We adapt the text so that it is not mechanically translated but rather transformed in a way that addresses the players speaking the target language.
Fast performance of works. We translate efficiently so the development of the video game is not delayed.
Quality check. Constant quality checks ensure accuracy – especially in the use of key terms – and an immersive gaming experience.
If you want to support different languages for your video game, contact us – we’ll find the best solution for you!
Or book an online consultation now!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VIDEO GAME TRANSLATION?
Briefly, game translation involves adapting the content and soundtrack of a game from one language to another. Translating the content of a video game is not limited to the subtitles, which can be read when the characters speak to each other.
It is also possible to customise the materials, instructions, terms of service and other content included in the disc case – such as the information material, and advertising the game in the target language.
Not everyone is familiar with the source language of a video game – most often English. With little or no understanding of English, there is a high chance that players will not fully enjoy the gaming experience, or will not even purchase the game at all.
However, localising the video game in different languages can increase interest in regions that prefer to enjoy video games in their native language.
WHY IT IS WORTH LOCALISING YOUR VIDEO GAMES?
By making sure that the text, the characters’ lines and even the images in the video games are precisely localised to each region, the companies enable entertainment fans from all over the world to fully enjoy games in their own language. This benefits both users and game developers.
The range of users is widened. Localisation helps to reach new players who would not have bought the game in the original language.
Additional turnover. Selling an original work in a new market and region can increase the sales of a video game, and therefore profit.
In line with cultural practices. Through localisation, the game can be adapted to the cultural customs of different regions so it resonates more effectively with the players.
An enjoyable playing experience. Localising games can improve the player experience by reducing the language barrier and making the game more enjoyable and engaging.
HOW DO WE LOCALISE VIDEO GAMES?
Translation is only a small part of the process of localising video games. Here are some of the most important aspects we pay attention to in order to ensure excellent quality.
Translation. The first and most important step is adapting the content to the target market’s language and specificities.
Editing and proofreading. The translated material is checked to clarify terms and correct typographical errors.
Language quality control. Before we provide material for integration into a video game, the accuracy of the translation is checked and tested.
Adaptation. This step involves technical manipulation to allow the translation to be represented in the game itself. We also make corrections to visual elements to ensure the content is accurately represented.
Adaptation to the region. Various elements of video games have been banned in some countries. For example, blood, skulls or religious symbols. If no changes are made, the video game could be banned in the region as a whole. Consideration should also be given to the extent to which it is acceptable in a particular region to depict violence or sexual content.
Localisation of audio content. Once the localisation of the content is complete, voice actors are selected to play the roles of the video game characters, and the audio content is recorded and checked to make sure that the material matches the local dialect and accents.
HOW IS THE LOCALISATION OF GAMES DONE STEP BY STEP?
Linguists who are native speakers of the target language are involved in the localisation of video games. In this way, we make sure that the end result is enjoyable and understandable for the players by adapting the text to the language style of the characters – they speak like “local” characters.
Here are the steps to get a quality localisation of a video game.
- The client sends the text and style guidelines. We agree on the deadlines for the work.
- Project managers convert the files they receive for translation and send them to the localisation contractors.
- Translators start work, and they also:
- take style guidelines into account when recording image and location names in a separate file, in order to follow a consistent style;
- communicate with the client in the form of a questionnaire or a communication app to clarify the nuances recorded in the source language and be able to reproduce them in another language.
- The translator or translators finish their work and it’s time for an independent technical and grammar check.
- After catching grammatical and stylistic “bugs”, if any, the text is subjected to quality control.
- The material has been fully translated and tested. Now we can send it to the customer.
- The client tests the new language localisation in-game and shares the impressions. If changes are needed, we make them.
- After making any alterations, the translation process is complete.
