7 Crucial Game Localization Mistakes that You Should Avoid
Entering a new gaming industry market through game localization isn't without mistakes. Interestingly, many game publishers experience similar game localization mistakes that are everyone's problems. The mistakes vary from just a mere issue to a significant one that could possibly lead to failure.
Talking about game localization, it is making a video game sound as if it's originally made in the target language.
It goes beyond translation but also localizes the game elements, in-game content, and voice-over to appeal to the target language and culture. In this article, we will discuss 7 common game localization errors that every game publisher should avoid. If you want a successful game localization, you should consider these localization problems and how to avoid them.
1. Lack of Contextual Information
Inadequate translations can ruin the gaming experience and lead to negative reviews and poor sales. This happens when a game localization agency doesn't give enough contextual information to the translators. They need to understand the context of a dialogue, a quest, or a character's backstory to provide accurate and meaningful translations.
Without enough context, translations may lack depth and nuance, leading to a loss of immersion for players in the target language. For example, players might start going to a forbidden place and wonder why they are losing the game.
The company and developers should share background information about the game's world, characters, and storylines. Providing context helps translators make informed decisions about language choices to appeal to a certain culture and ensures that the narrative remains coherent and engaging after localization.
2. Ignoring Cultural Nuances and Regional Preferences
The world of video games is unique to each culture and region. Thus, neglecting the significance of cultural nuances and regional preferences is like preparing your game localization to fail. The entire game should be appealing to suit the cultural preferences and sensitivities of the target audience.
Failure to do so can lead to unintended consequences, including alienating players, causing offense, or even getting restrictions from the local authorities. Regional preferences are also another thing that every game localization company pays attention to.
Not all players in a particular language group have the same gaming preferences. Regional differences in language, culture, and gaming habits can be significant. Assuming that one localized version will work for all players who speak the same language is a costly mistake. For example, you shouldn’t reuse the translations of European Portuguese for Brazilian Portuguese.
Working with local consultants or translators would be the best solution for this game localization mistake. Provide them with enough context, so they can share valuable insights for the game localization process. It is also recommended to hire translators who are game savvy for a better understanding of the players’ preferences.
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Further, developers can offer customization options in their games to cater to regional preferences. For example, allowing players to choose between American and British English, or offering different control schemes to match regional gaming habits, can greatly enhance the gaming experience.
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3. Skip User Testing
User testing is an indispensable part of game development, and it's just as crucial in the localization process. Failure to do usability testing would be an expensive game localization mistake that game publishers might go through. Localizing games in some different languages needs separate testing. The one-size-fits-all situation strategy won't work here.
Having user testing is important to avoid localization problems like a host of problems, functional issues, awkward translations, and a lack of cultural resonance. For example, skipping user testing on the device that local gamers use might run into UI issues and affect players' experience, such as a long translated text that would affect the visual layout.
Game publishers should also engage in thorough playtesting with local players. It can provide valuable feedback on all aspects of the game, from language and user interface to gameplay and cultural appropriateness. This feedback helps identify and rectify issues before the game's release, saving both time and reputation.
4. Making Budget Cuts
Budget constraints are often a reality in the world of game development, but making cuts in the localization budget can be a significant mistake. In order to tap into a new market and reach a wider audience, a high-quality localization is important to make the appealing to local players.