Localization in games: what it is, what types of translation exist, and what are the main challenges

Contents:

• Localization Approaches: What is Narrative Redesign?
• Specifics of Localizing Asian Games: Useful Artistic Techniques

Localization Approaches: What is Narrative Redesign

The localization team is responsible for all aspects of translating in-game texts, sound effects, and graphic elements. This includes ensuring that characters in the game can communicate in Russian, while ensuring their dialogue is logical, engaging, and culturally sensitive. The team also ensures that descriptions of game mechanics are accurate and informative. It's also important that the game interface is intuitive, with buttons placed in the appropriate locations to facilitate player interaction. High-quality localization contributes to a deeper and more engaging gaming experience. Before beginning the localization process, specialists go through two key stages: market analysis and the preparation of the necessary documentation. Market analysis is important for determining demand for the game among the target audience and identifying localization considerations specific to a particular country. For example, in Japan, a game may not be fully translated into Japanese; some elements remain in English, as local players are already accustomed to it. This highlights the importance of considering cultural and linguistic nuances during localization, which helps make a product more appealing to players and enhance its marketability.

Larian Studios devoted significant attention to the localization of Baldur's Gate 3, adapting the game to the linguistic peculiarities of various countries. Specifically, in Russia, the developers chose two names for the main antagonists, the illithids: "Brain Flayers" and "Mind Flayers." In English, they are referred to by a single term, Mind Flayers, which can be used in both informal and formal settings. In Russian, the name "Mind Flayers" creates a more serious narrative, while "Brain Flayers" sounds more down-to-earth and is suitable for a wider audience. This decision underscores Larian Studios' commitment to making the game more accessible and understandable for Russian-speaking players.

Localization documents, known as localization kits or lockits, are technical specifications for a product prepared by a developer or localization company. A successful project requires a glossary of terms, translation references, project information, fonts, videos, audio tracks, and, most importantly, a working version of the game. It is crucial for the localizer to maintain constant communication with the developers to explain their decisions, as game creators often lack understanding of the nuances of the specific region for which they are localizing. Effective localization requires a thorough approach and a thorough understanding of the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the target audience.

At this stage, translators and editors become involved. There are several main types of localization, which can be classified by the level of complexity and the quality of the final translation. These types of localization range from simple text translation to in-depth content adaptation that takes into account the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target audience. Choosing the right localization type is critical to achieving maximum impact and satisfying user needs.

The first type of translation involves direct translation of the text in the translation file, as well as linguistic testing (LQA - Language Quality Assurance). This work is considered the simplest in terms of time and labor costs. The translation process is carried out in files, after which the translation is integrated into the game and tested. Linguistic testing is a key stage, which verifies the correct display of the translation in the game interface. This ensures that players receive high-quality and understandable content, which is important for their overall experience.

The errors made by the localizer of the Chinese game Battle Teams 2 when translating into English are clear examples of the challenges developers face during the localization process. The shooter was comprehensively adapted for the Russian market by the Astrum Entertainment team, which set itself the important task of correcting translation errors and ensuring the correct display of the text. High-quality game localization requires a careful approach to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a positive experience for players.

The lack of linguistic testing leads to a number of classic Issues such as overlapping lines, poor text readability, and incorrect button formatting can negatively impact user experience and the overall perception of the interface. Conducting high-quality linguistic testing can help identify and resolve these issues, ensuring a more convenient user experience.

In some cases, more serious issues arise, such as text in the adapted version extending beyond the screen. This situation is often observed in Chinese games due to the peculiarities of the language. In Chinese, a large amount of information can be compactly accommodated in the interface by using hieroglyphs, which is impossible in English or Russian. As a result, text must be shortened to fit within the allotted space. Proper adaptation of text and its optimization for various languages ​​plays a key role in creating a user-friendly and understandable game interface.

In the second type of localization, an editor is involved in the translation process in files and LQA. Their task is to check the adapted text in files with dialogs, which helps make the text more understandable and natural for native speakers. This approach ensures high-quality localization and improves the target audience's perception of the material.

The third type of localization involves the editor working not only with the game's text files but also with the game itself. The editor plays through the entire game, modifying the translated text based on the context of the dialogue, such as gender, age, social status, and other character characteristics. The editor's primary goal is to create speech that sounds natural and vivid, ensuring the player feels no dissonance between the character's image and their words. Text that has not been tested in gameplay is easily recognized by its complex constructions and use of the passive voice. These elements are often used to avoid specifics that the translator cannot accurately convey. High-quality localization requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the game, which allows for a complete and engaging gaming experience for users.

In the original version of this example, it was unclear whether the speaker was speaking from a female or male perspective. This uncertainty was resolved by an editor who understands the context of the situation.

I dream of riding on a swing, but I'm stopped by the thought of others' judgment: an adult on a child's swing. It's a shame that public opinion can influence our desires so strongly.

Riding on a swing is always pleasant, but the fear of judgment from friends arises. Is it really worth giving up the simple joys of childhood because of the opinions of others? Adulthood does not exclude the opportunity to enjoy the little things that bring joy and fun. Swinging is not only a game, but also a way to escape the routine, to feel lightness and carefree. Don't let other people's opinions limit your pleasures. It is important to remember that everyone has the right to joy, regardless of age. Allow yourself to return to childhood and savor the moment.

It's hard to imagine a child saying such a thing phrase.

Is your feud over?

Did you make peace with your little fingers?

The fourth type of localization is the most labor-intensive and high-quality. Editors not only adapt dialogue to the context but also stylistically refine it within the overall setting of the game. At this level of localization, editors must possess true writing skills to conduct narrative redesign. This includes deepening imagery and archetypes, elaborating on character speech patterns, and adjusting the pacing of the narrative or plot if logical inconsistencies are identified. This approach ensures a more complete immersion of the player in the game and makes its plot more engaging and profound.

Hmm. So this is what's poisoning our soldiers. Now we have the opportunity to develop an antidote.

A problem authors often face is the ambiguity of the narrative point of view. Unclearness about who is telling the story can confuse the reader and reduce engagement with the text. Clearly defining the narrator's voice and perspective is crucial to creating a compelling and understandable story. Choosing the right perspective helps establish an emotional connection with the reader and makes the story more memorable.

The in-game editor's work solves this problem, as noted by a gruff warrior who has become so through many battles that forged his character. But the question arises: how appropriate is this image for a man who lived in the bloody Middle Ages of Eastern Europe? Would such a warrior really use the word "scoundrel" in his vocabulary?

So, did he poison the well? He intended to kill the entire garrison, a heinous crime.

The narrative redesign effectively addresses this issue, making the image a clear reflection of the game's setting. This approach allows players to become more immersed in the atmosphere and environment, ensuring a harmonious interaction between the story and the visuals. The narrative redesign makes the game's elements more meaningful and coherent, increasing overall engagement and interest in the gameplay.

"Did that idiot really poison the well? Did he decide to destroy the entire garrison? What a dastardly fellow he is." Luckily, I used a flask this morning instead of drawing from the well."

The main difference The difference between a high-quality translation and a low-quality one lies in the ability to take context into account. An example of a poor translation is Google Translate, which often translates words literally, without considering their meaning in a specific situation. This results in a tracing, making the text difficult to understand. English, for example, offers many interpretations of the same word, and one word can have up to five different, completely different meanings. To achieve a high-quality translation, a localizer needs to understand the atmosphere of the original. Therefore, it is important for translators and editors to play the game themselves to understand the plot and context. This knowledge will help accurately translate words like "fair," which can mean "fair," "fair," or "bright," depending on the situation. A quality translation requires a deep understanding of the language and context, making it a crucial aspect of localization.

Specifics of Asian Game Localization: Useful Literary Techniques

Ken Liu, a Chinese-American translator and author of Hugo and Nebula Award-winning fantasy stories, once noted, "Translation is the process of taking a work created in one language apart and reassembling it across the Strait into a new work in another language." This process requires not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of the culture and context of the original source, making translation a complex and creative act. Translators play a key role in cross-cultural communication, allowing readers from different parts of the world to experience literary works that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

When localizing video games, an important principle is "Do No Harm." This means that the convenience and comfort of players is the primary focus when adapting content. Video games are entertainment products, so their localization must be guided by the interests and preferences of the target audience. As a result, decisions are made with an emphasis on what will be most enjoyable and understandable for players, rather than relying solely on traditional translation rules. This approach ensures a better user experience, promotes its popularity in new markets, and helps avoid misunderstandings among users.

While working on the adaptation of The Lord of the Rings Online, the localization team faced a significant challenge. J. R. R. Tolkien left instructions regarding the translation of all meaningful names and titles. However, in the film, many of them remained in the original. Considering that players, who grew up with the cult films, are accustomed to these names, it was decided to retain them in the localization. Therefore, Frodo remains Baggins, and not, for example, Baggins. This decision takes into account both Tolkien's authorial principles and the audience's preferences, which contributes to a better perception of the game.

Ken Liu emphasizes the importance of adapting Chinese literature for a Western audience, noting that "the Chinese literary tradition emphasizes aspects that differ from the expectations of American readers." A too-literal translation not only fails to convey the original meaning but also distorts it, which can lead to misunderstandings. A similar situation is observed in the field of Asian video games, where cultural peculiarities create dialogue that may seem strange to a Western player. The emergence of the thought "What strange logic" indicates that localization requires a careful approach. Localizers must adapt storylines and dialogue, taking into account the realities and expectations of the local market, to ensure a deeper understanding and better perception of the product.

Game logic and mechanics must be intuitive for players. The localizer does not simply translate the text verbatim; their task is to convey the atmosphere of the game and reveal the imagery embedded within it. For example, China is associated with mountain monasteries and Shaolin monks, while Japan is associated with Japanese architecture, traditional dress, and samurai. It's important that the language remains familiar to local players while sounding natural and understandable to Russian-speaking audiences.

Asian games have a unique approach to quest delivery, which relies heavily on character interactions through requests, justifications, apologies, and gratitude. This can be clearly seen in LOST ARK, where each quest is imbued with emotional weight, making the gameplay deeper and more engaging. This style of quest delivery not only enhances the storyline but also helps players better understand the characters' motivations, creating a richer and more immersive experience.

Thank you for your assistance. Thanks to you, our worries have significantly diminished. I have one more request. To storm the Lutheran fortress, I need to gather allies scattered throughout the country. However, Mihan is currently busy with the fortifications, and I cannot send him. I can only entrust this important task to someone I truly trust, and that, of course, is you. I understand that this is asking a lot, but I still hope for your support.

The task is to open the cage and release the homing pigeons. This action symbolizes freedom and the ability to transmit messages over long distances. Homing pigeons, with their outstanding navigational skills, help people convey important news and information. By releasing these birds, we not only return them to their natural life but also continue the tradition of using pigeons for communication. Opening the cage and freeing the homing pigeons is an act that emphasizes the importance of communication and connection between people.

For us, this is just a vague apology, devoid of specifics. The editor is reworking it into a narrative based on known facts about the game world. The Herald of Zagorje is represented by an eagle, while doves are used to convey minor messages. It is important to explain to the player that some elements may seem inappropriate or out of context.

We have remained in the shadows for a long time, gathering strength for a new beginning. Now is the time to step forward and make a statement. I would say, "Time to release the eagles!"—as is customary in Zagorje—but the last eagle has already been sent to Uncle. This last eagle with the last sentence has become a symbol of our hopes and aspirations. Now we are ready for new achievements and the opening of a new stage in our lives.

We will have to release the doves. They are not respected here, trusting only to obscene notes—insignificant messages—but there is no choice. When the eagles return, we will send them off, but for now, let the doves fly. They bring hope to every city, every village, and every home.

Images and archetypes are often formed based on obscure principles, such as unconditional respect for members of the nobility, including princes and kings. This passage illustrates deep affection and love for the prince, highlighting the importance of these feelings in the context of the game. It is important to understand how such archetypes influence the perception of characters and storylines, creating an emotional connection between players and the game world.

Are you familiar with the legend of the knight? It is a well-known story passed down through generations. It tells of a prince who won the love of his subjects. They valued his kindness and justice so much that they decided to sacrifice their wealth to create a crown for him. The prince, having received this symbolic reward, ruled with wisdom and care for his people. Perhaps we should consider something similar for Sillian to express our appreciation and support.

A Westerner might not understand why he should show respect. In our mentality, respect is formed through heroic deeds, important decisions, and self-sacrifice. These values ​​are the foundation for building trust and mutual respect in society. Respect is not simply a tribute, but an acknowledgement of the merits and efforts a person has put into achieving goals. It is important to realize that different cultures have their own criteria for assessing respect, and understanding these differences can lead to deeper understanding and cooperation.

Did little Sophie ever share with you the tale of the Taiga King? In Lake Village, every child knows it. Long ago, bandits settled in the local forests, robbing trade caravans and destroying peaceful villages like ours. The bandits were difficult to stop until the master shoemaker Metek Kozhemyaka gathered the people of Lake Village. Metek's army drove the bandits into the forests and thickets. The people proclaimed Metek the King of the Taiga, and blacksmiths crafted a simple iron crown for him. But most importantly, the people recognized Metek as the true king, just as they now revere Silliana. This story is passed down from generation to generation, inspiring children to courage and unity in the face of adversity.

In this context, the legend gains clarity and becomes an archetype for the Russian player. It reflects core values ​​and cultural aspects with which players can identify. This approach strengthens the emotional connection with the game and facilitates a better understanding of its content. An archetypal legend not only attracts attention but also creates a sense of depth, which is especially important for audience engagement.

Asian storytelling has unique traditions of tempo rhythm. Often, the narrator reveals the entire plot at once, then repeats key moments throughout the story to reinforce the material. This model is also reflected in video games, but Western players expect suspense until the very end. Astrum Entertainment encountered this problem when localizing the Korean MMORPG LOST ARK, particularly in a quest involving a gumiho—a werefox who has committed murders in a village. In the Korean version, the quest giver immediately reveals all the details, including the criminal's human name. Additionally, the developer includes a condensed background story about the gumiho in dialogue, which distracts Russian-speaking players from the main goal of the quest. For successful localization, it is important to adapt the plot in a way that maintains intrigue and player interest while accounting for cultural differences in narrative perception.

When I look at a dead body, I am overcome by an ominous energy. If the liver is missing, it is a clear sign of a gumiho. Are you familiar with the legend of the gumiho? The gumiho is a mythical creature from Korean folklore that takes the form of a woman and feeds on human livers. These stories are passed down from generation to generation, causing fear and fascination. The gumiho can be both evil and good creatures, but always remains a mystery. Researching myths about the gumiho can reveal interesting aspects of Korean culture and traditions.

In Delphai County, there is a legend about the gumiho, a mythical creature that feeds on livers to achieve human form. According to legend, the gumiho must train for a thousand years and eat a hundred human livers to become human. Although this version differs from other interpretations, the essence remains the same—the gumiho feeds on livers, which emphasizes its unique nature and desire for transformation. The legend of the gumiho continues to attract attention and inspire, reflecting the deep cultural traditions and beliefs of the region.

Events in this place continue, and it becomes clear that this is the gumiho's lair. The footprints I observe resemble human ones, but emit a faint ominous aura. I must follow them.

The murder took place quietly and unnoticed. The neighbors noticed nothing suspicious, and no alarm was raised. The body was discovered only at dawn, when the shutters began to open and light spilled into the street.

The knapsack remained to the side, untouched. The purse was still there. She only needed his liver.

A magical red hair, clearly belonging to a gumiho. There is no doubt: this creature is mesmerizing. The gumiho's lair may be nearby. The tracks she left behind lead to the wall and mysteriously disappear.

The Russian version retained an element of intrigue, Unnecessary details have been removed, and the speech has been made more clipped, creating the image of a mysterious werewolf hunter, similar to Geralt. The creature's full history can be found in the glossary. Localizers are often forced to change the narrative in this way—the core story remains the same, but it is adapted for our audience's convenience.

Eastern and Western players have different approaches to in-game motivation. In the Korean MMORPG ArcheAge, with the release of a global update, the developers sent a letter to players explaining the changes and new features awaiting them in the game. This demonstrates that the developers value feedback and strive to create a more engaged gaming community. The letter contains useful information about new mechanics, events, and improvements that will allow players to better understand how to get the most out of the updates. This approach helps strengthen the bond between developers and players, creating a more active and engaged community.

Sir, residing in the Roaring Passes, urgently needs your help. He urgently needs a package of goat cheese delivered to Mr. Y, otherwise the product could spoil. Your assistance will be invaluable and prevent the quality cheese from spoiling.

Food is especially important to Koreans, which explains the chosen method of motivation. A Russian gamer might ignore this message and miss out on many interesting mechanics in the update. Considering our compatriots' passion for cars, the localizers emphasized the racing car and rewrote the email as an invitation to the Roaring Races. To participate in the race, it was necessary to voice the code phrase: "Goat cheese."

When developing content, it is important to consider language features, especially when speaking It's about conveying emotional mood. Asian languages ​​differ significantly from Western languages ​​in this regard. For example, in Japanese, a single word can create tension and atmosphere, while in Chinese, the tone of a character's pronunciation can dramatically change its meaning. Understanding these nuances can significantly impact the perception of a text and its effectiveness in communication.

In Western languages, emotional expressiveness is less diverse. In English, we can distinguish constructions such as "indeed," which serves as a more emotional alternative to the simple "yes," and "do + verb," ​​which intensifies the meaning of the verb. For example, the phrase "I do like" translates as "I really like." In Russian, by contrast, a rich selection of epithets allows for a more varied expression of emotion. Instead of using complex constructions such as "mind-blowing," we prefer to convey emotional nuance through word choice. Thus, in the Russian language, the emphasis on emotional expressiveness is created through the richness of vocabulary.

The game LOST ARK features a story arc dedicated to martial arts tournaments. In the original Korean translation, the player is invariably followed by a guard with the phrase: "Please demonstrate your martial arts!" Martial arts in Asia are an important part of cultural heritage, often having more significance than films or TV series. For Western audiences, this may be perceived differently, so Astrum Entertainment diversified the guard's lines. This was done in order to avoid misunderstandings among Russian-speaking players and to create a more engaging experience. As a result, memorable phrases were added that may pique the interest of players, while a Korean audience might perceive them as offensive.

"Please demonstrate your martial arts mastery!"

Hariko will make short work of you.

"You're lucky the first time. I wonder if luck will be on your side again."

I'm starting to like you, but you don't stand a chance against the Red Beast.

"I've invested in you this time. Don't disappoint me."

The Phoenix has changed and no longer resembles its former self. There's no need to be afraid. Hold on to his tail and boldly step into the arena.

In the game Final Fantasy 7 In Rebirth, a Japanese role-playing game, each character is assigned a unique musical theme, adding depth and atmosphere to the gameplay. For example, Yuffie's theme has a catchy tune and simple lyrics that translate as follows:

Boredom is a feeling familiar to all of us. It most often arises when we lack interesting activities or hobbies. Boredom can manifest itself in a variety of situations, whether it's a long wait, routine work, or a lack of inspiration. To cope with this state, it's worth paying attention to opportunities that can restore interest in life.

Pursuing hobbies, reading books, learning new skills, or walking outdoors can be a great way to overcome boredom. Additionally, spending time with friends and family, participating in events, or even volunteering can add variety to the daily routine and bring joy.

It's important to remember that boredom can be a signal that it's time to change something in your life. Instead of sinking into despair, explore new horizons and find inspiration in simple things. Matter is the foundation of all existence. It is the physical substance that makes up objects and phenomena in our world. In science, matter is studied from various perspectives, including physics, chemistry, and philosophy. Understanding matter is key to studying the laws of nature and the interactions between elements. In everyday life, we encounter matter in various forms: solids, liquids, and gases are all examples of matter. Understanding its properties helps us better understand the world around us and develop new technologies. Boredom often becomes a constant companion in everyday life. It can arise in a variety of situations, be it long hours at work, waiting in line, or even time spent at home. When boredom takes hold, time seems to drag on forever, and we don't know how to fill it. However, boredom can also be beneficial, as it motivates us to seek out new interests, hobbies, or activities. It's important to learn to cope with this state and use it as an opportunity for self-development. Learn to find joy in simple things, discover new things, and let boredom become a stimulus for inspiration.

We grew up on animated musicals like Entin and Gladkov's "The Bremen Town Musicians," while English-speaking audiences were introduced to Disney works. In both cases, songs play a key role in the development of the plot, conveying emotions and deepening the story. For us, this is natural and meaningful. Therefore, the game's English localizer decided to adapt Yuffie's theme for their audience and completely rewrote the song's lyrics.

I experience severe boredom. Every day passes monotonously, and it seems like nothing new is happening. I look for ways to vary my time and find interesting activities. Boredom can be difficult, but it also opens up opportunities for self-discovery and creativity. Sometimes it's worth just stopping and thinking about what truly brings you joy, perhaps a hobby, reading books, or playing sports. It's important to keep moving forward and find inspiration even in the most mundane things.

A constant feeling of boredom.

If I don't die first,

I'm sure this will drive me crazy.

I have nothing better to do.

I'm stuck here wasting my time.

Rework the text, but stay on topic. Don't add anything unnecessary. Adjust the text for SEO and feel free to supplement the content of the text. Don't add emoticons or unnecessary characters. Don't add sections like 1. 2. 3. and *. Just plain text.

But wait, oh matter,

I'll return to the road.

I'll make you mine.

The video game localization industry sometimes faces challenging tasks that require careful consideration. These difficulties may stem from differences in cultural contexts, linguistic nuances, or technical aspects. Understanding the target audience and skillfully adapting content are key factors in successful localization. Tasks that seem simple at first glance can present real challenges for specialists in this field. Effective video game localization not only preserves the original concept but also makes the game appealing to players from different regions.

Artistic techniques are an important foundation for localizers. Specialists in this field must have a high level of proficiency in at least two languages—their native and a foreign language—and be familiar with the game development process. It is also important to consider the cultural context of the developer's country. For this purpose, it is useful to take courses in cultural and religious studies, which will provide a deeper understanding of how content is perceived in different cultures. Understanding these aspects significantly improves the quality of localization and makes the product more appealing to the target audience.

When adapting a text, it's important to consider the context and emotional connotations the author intends. It's essential to recognize the differences in mood between speakers of different cultures, for example, between English and Russian. In these cases, different words and constructions are used to reflect unique linguistic characteristics. A literal translation of the text is rarely the best option; this is where the art of literary translation comes in, requiring the specialist to develop writing skills.

Thinking like a native speaker—whether English, Korean, or Russian—is a key skill for a professional localizer. This skill is developed through practical experience, watching films, and playing video games. Immersion in cultural contexts and linguistic nuances helps to better understand and adapt content for the target audience, which significantly improves the quality of localization.