What is Game Localization?
Game localization and video game localization are the process of producing a game for a different region than originally intended but making it so well that no one notices the difference. Localizing games is relatively easy since games take place in their own universe.
The main thing that needs to be changed to localize a game is the dialogue so players can understand story lines and objectives. Since games are in their own universe, other regional things such as images do not need to be localized as it would be inappropriate for the game environment.
Five Top Game Localization Services
Game developers looking for game localization services want to get on the international market but want to do so in the best way for their players’ comfort. The text needs to be equally funny or powerful in the foreign language as it is in the original to connect with international audiences. This requires top gaming translation services, and we’ve collected the top 5 in the industry to help your choice be easier.
- We evaluate top localization firms with four basic criteria to make sure only the best firms make it on our list.
- Do they offer video game localization services?
- What are other customers saying about them? How many languages do they offer?
- Chat with the operators and study the prices. We place an order to understand the whole experience these firms offer.
- Our experts look at the results and their quality before we make a final judgment.
Let’s get started!
1. The Word Point
Word Point has been in the international market for years providing the best gaming localization service. They have more than 100 languages available for translation. Their staff is on the small side, but each member is an expert in their field and approaches every project with a personalized mindset for their client. Their online assistance has timely delivery, high quality, and fair prices for every client and project.
2. Translate Hub
TranslateHub ranks second in our list of video game localization companies because of its high customer satisfaction and professionalism. Providing services in 50+ languages its top experts are ready to tackle the most challenging localization tasks that their clients have. TranslateHub always delivers projects on time, and while the price is a bit higher than the rest of the industry, the results are well worth it.
3. Genius Translation
Despite its relatively new beginnings, Genius Translation is a game translation service with over 1000 translators ready to help their clients. They have some of the best quality of translations when compared to other game translation services, but that is reflected in the higher price. Genius Translation has real-time access to profile and support to allow their customers to track how their project is being processed and completed, so every step of the way you are warned of delays or complications about the delivery date.
4. ReWord
While customer reviews on Reword.ca game localization projects are limited, through our own expertise found their work impressive enough to rank fourth on our list. They work quickly and efficiently to get the projects completed in a timely manner. We did find some minor quality issues that do not reflect the higher price they ask for. We advise that if you choose to hire Reword.ca, provide a shorter deadline than you really need and double check your game interface before deciding the project complete.
5. Aldus
Aldus has enough history in the video game translation industry that it’s worked with current worldwide games. Despite the large staff of translators, Aldus.ca is known for delivering some orders late and thus is ranked lower on our list. The price is very affordable though which is a nice advantage.
Why Outsource Video Game Translators?
The short answer is that outsourcing this process is more cost-effective for the firms. Since the video game translation industry doesn’t provide a consistent workload, it doesn’t make sense to pay employees to wait around for new projects. So, when a client asks for a game adaptation, firms will assign an expert on the case, but if no one is readily available or interested in the projects, they contact outside specialists. Outsourcing creates savings for the firms and allows them to bring prices down, thereby benefiting customers as well.
5 Steps of Game Localization
Step 1: Language peculiarities assessment. Translators of the native language are hired to begin the project. The most important part is that they know all the nuances of the target language so that nothing (tone, wittiness, etc.) is lost in translation.
Step 2: Manuals and guides. Translators work on this separately so that instructions and such are discernable to players.
Step 3: User interface. Profiles should be customizable to the player. This includes images and multimedia elements that aren’t part of the game’s universe. Great translators spend time making the user interface quirky and comprehensive.
Step 4: Voice-over services. Character voices are important to localization. Scripts must be dubbed and occasionally intonation changed so players in the target language can understand dialogue, storylines, and objectives.
Step 5: Game testing. Never forget to test your new localized game. It is the agency’s job to test the new localized game on the target audience and fix anything necessary.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately the decision on which game localization service is yours. We make lists of the best firms in the industry to make your research easier. We recommend reading our reviews and looking at the firm’s offers to decide what best suits your needs.