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For a game to reach distinct markets, localization is a key process. To localize a game, you must make cultural and technical changes that accommodate the product to the target language.
The linguistic and cultural adaptation isn’t an easy task, no matter how it seems at first. You will come across technical, linguistic, as well as culture-specific challenges that can slow down the process and give you some stress-triggered headaches. However, if you know what problems you can expect, you will be able to go around those road bumps.
Here are the most common game localization challenges that every developer should avoid.
1. Finding the Balance Between Brevity and Clarity
Aiming for brevity while retaining clarity is a challenge that will follow you from the very first sentence you translate to the very last. While this may seem like a no-brainer, once you get into translation flow, you can forget the main principle: focus on brevity but without losing clarity.
Never sacrifice clarity for the sake of conciseness. If the game ends up with ambiguous or unclear instructions, the fact that translation fits the message box won’t matter.
2. Putting Creativity Aside
Game localization isn’t a technical translation. You don’t need to stick to exact word per word translation. The goal is to make the game suitable for an audience from a different country. So, when you need to make some improvisation or create new words, do so.
If the exact translation doesn’t make sense, or you come up with a better equivalent, feel free to use it. For some bigger changes, such as the character’s name adaptation, you might want to consult with the team or the client.
3. Carelessly Applying Source Language Intonations
Cultural intonations are especially notable in interface and instructions. Using the source language intonations without thinking of how it will resonate with the target audience is something you don’t want to do.
For example, using “please” before a command or instruction is polite in English. However, some languages like Russian don’t have the same habit. Adding “please” in the Russian version of the instructions will lessen the user experience. When the language doesn’t sound natural, the game loses in quality.
4. Lazy Slang and Idioms Translation
Getting lazy while translating slang and idioms can turn your translation into a mess. Spotting slang words and idioms and finding an expression that matches is one of the toughest localization missions.
Precisely for this reason, you must be acquainted with the target culture. Never settle for an explanation of the slang or idiom. Research a decent equivalent until you are certain that the translation raises to the occasion. If you get stuck, you can always get in touch with top translation services and get yourself some backup.
5. Accidentally Changing or Deleting Text Placeholders
When the concentration lowers, and focus lessons, placeholders can seem like errors. Those words in all caps or mixtures of symbols, letters, and numbers have a purpose. Removing them or changing them can cause major issues.
These pieces of code must be timely recognize and never deleted or changed. The translated phrase needs to retain the placeholder’s value. So, keep your eyes open and tackle those placeholders with the attention of an eagle eying its prey.
6. Irresponsible Swearing
Swearing has different purposes in different countries. In some languages, it is almost a regular part of everyday speech. In others, it is considered unforgivable profanity. Whether you are translating popular languages or less used ones, you must be well aware of how cursing is looked upon in the target culture.
When you see a swear word, don’t just translate it. Instead, look at the message that the character is trying to convey. If swearing isn’t allowed in the target culture or the swear word doesn’t fit the context when translated, think about adapting the language.
Wrapping Up
Game localization is no game (pun intended). It is more than just simple translation as you must know the culture and common language to make it work. Hopefully, these important challenges will make a permanent abode in your memory, reminding you of what you should be extra careful about.
Melony Hart is a technology-enthusiast who found her purpose in writing. She successfully combines her interest in technology with her passion for writing by creating research-driven content. Melony regularly attends webinars and courses that help her stay at the top of her game. In her free time, she likes to hike and read.