The Impact of Game Localization on Good Reviews

There are many reasons as to why we should give importance to game localization, and we have been talking about these reasons for a while now. We cannot give a full list of why you should invest in game localization here because we would be here a long time: generating more income, raising brand awareness, building a good reputation, increasing the playing time, growing your business, reaching new markets, increasing user retention and engagement rate, and many more! Yet what we want to focus today is specifically about the players and about making them happy.

How to Make A Player Happy with Game Localization

I’m sure we can make a huge list about what makes video game players happy, or happier. Engaging gameplay, immersive storytelling, excellent visual and audio design, freedom and exploration in the game, challenges and achievements, having a community of players and perhaps a bit of competition, continued support, and so on… And I believe that another important component of this list is language support.

Language support is a cornerstone of player satisfaction, as it directly addresses the diverse linguistic needs of players worldwide. By implementing game localization, game developers enable players to fully immerse themselves in the game's narrative and world, regardless of their native language. This inclusive approach not only removes language barriers but also fosters a deeper emotional connection between players and the game's characters and storylines. Ultimately, prioritizing game localization demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality gaming experience, thereby enhancing overall player happiness and driving positive reviews and feedback.

Let’s dive into some of the reviews we have seen on Steam. Below you can see a review for Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, which supports 10 languages including Turkish. The players recommended the game, and also gave a special thanks for adding Turkish localization.

Another example is a review for the game DREDGE, which supports 11 languages. The player highlights that the game is fully in German language and that it’s worth every penny.

You would perhaps think that German game localization is not a necessity since the English proficiency is quite high, but as you can see from this example, it matters a lot.

In conclusion, the impact of game localization on player happiness cannot be overstated. By prioritizing language support, game developers not only enhance accessibility and inclusivity but also foster stronger connections with their player base. As evidenced by the heartfelt thanks and positive reviews from players who appreciate the addition of language support, it's clear that localization plays a significant role in shaping the overall gaming experience.

Moving forward, you should view investing in comprehensive language support not just as a business strategy, but as a commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with players around the world. In doing so, developers can expect to see increased player satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth, and ultimately, a thriving and loyal player community that continues to support and champion their games for years to come.

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