The Localization Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Game Developers

Localization is a strategic tool gaming companies use to provide personalized and engaging experiences to multilingual gamers. Though they know its importance, they do not know the right method of Localization Process a game. In this guide, we will walk you through each step in detail so that you get the accurate and desired results from game localization.

The process is straightforward yet requires a little extra care. The very first step is to collaborate with the best translation service provider to ensure that you are working with professionals and that there will be no unwanted scenarios, like disruptions or low-quality translation. So, let’s start learning.

Pre-Localization Planning 

• Assessing Your Target Markets

In the global marketplace, you will encounter diverse target audiences with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and requirements. To customize your game for multilingual and multicultural audiences, you first need to know their tastes, preferences, and habits.

• Choosing the Right Translation Team 

Once you are aware of your audience’s local nuances, you will have a clear idea of how many languages you have to translate your game’s content into. Make sure to choose the best game localization services, and you can do it by looking for these features: native linguists, experienced, and advanced translation tools like CAT or MT. 

• Setting Expectations and Budget

Game localization is a lengthy process, so be mindful of the time it will take. Moreover, be clear about the expenses. Depending on the type of your game, you might need to localize text, voiceovers, visuals, and UI. This may exceed your expectations, so it is better to know it beforehand. 

Content Extraction

• Extracting Content for Localization

Here starts the real work. Localization is a thorough process, which means each element will get proper attention. For better results, extract the content that you want to translate, like strong files, dialogue, and UI elements. Identify all content files that are important and need translation. Remember, in games, every dialogue and information back to the next one, so do not compromise on the quality just to save a few bucks. 

• Preparing Files for Localization

Once you are clear on which files need localization, start organizing them so that the localization team easily gets to know which content is important and needs to be translated first. Also, do not forget to review the metadata like game instructions and legal disclaimers. A minor mistake can cause issues and slow down the localization process. 

Translation and Linguistic Adaptation 

• Adapting the Game’s Narrative and Dialogue

Here comes the translation process starts. While translating content, you will find out that there are no relevant or alternative words available in the target language. Just in case, you can shift to transcreation. It is the combination of translation and creativity. So, you will be adding contextually correct content that delivers the essence of the original dialogues.

• Handling Complex Linguistic Challenges 

Though games usually contain slang, humor, and idioms, adapting these makes localization a challenge. Every region has different cultures, traditions, and local references. Sometimes finding the expressions and references that deliver the same message in the target language becomes difficult. But don’t worry; you can easily cover it by hiring the best translation service provider in town.

• Localized UI/UX Considerations

Another complexity you might face while localizing is the different structure and length of elements of languages. Like if you are translating your game’s content from English to German, its length will increase to 35%. Well, this problem gets fixed during the localization process as the translators adjust the text length according to the UI elements.

Audio Localization 

• Voice Recording 

Adapting audio is crucial for enhancing player experience. To localize the audio content in the game, select native voice actors whose tone and style match the features of characters and sound appealing to local audiences.

• Sound Effects and Music

If your game contains sound effects, you must localize them. It will make sure the music and audio assets fit with the target region’s cultural context and preferences.

Cultural Adaptation

• Visual Adjustments

Be careful while adding symbols, colors, and imagery in the game. Moreover, it is crucial to adapt characters’ outfits and props for diverse cultural norms. If you are localizing a game for the Chinese market, using skulls and blood counts is culturally inappropriate.

• Game Mechanics and Story Adjustments

Game mechanics and storyline should be balanced according to the cultural, historical, and social ideas of the target market. These alterations in the storyline are necessary to make the game both entertaining and respectful of players regardless of their language and culture.

Quality Assurance Testing 

• Linguistic Testing 

Once you are done with the translation, transcreation, and localization processes, step into the QA process. The first thing to consider is the linguistic accuracy of the translated version of game content. At this stage, you will be looking for inaccuracies at the language level, such as grammar, spelling, and syntax. Ensure that the content resonates with that target audience’s linguistic preferences.

• Functional Testing

This is a crucial part of quality assurance in which you ensure that the localized content appears correctly in the game environment. Also, it includes that the formatting, UI settings, and dialogues are compatible with different platforms, including mobile, laptop, and console.

• Cultural Sensitivity 

Give a thorough review to guarantee that there are no cultural offenses and misinterpretations in the content. All elements, including colors, design, graphics, characters, and storyline, align with the diverse audiences’ different cultural priorities.

Launch and Marketing 

• Localizing Marketing Materials 

Connect with the best game localization services to promote your game in different regions, adapting the marketing materials and advertising content according to the target audience’s local tastes and priorities.

• Localized Customer Support 

Even the best games show errors and glitches. Providing localized customer service allows you to effectively communicate with multilingual audiences and understand their issues. Moreover, it helps in managing community engagement in different regions.

So, now you are aware of everything about localization. You can ensure accurate localization results by following the above-mentioned steps. Good luck.