Top 10 Most Popular Languages in Game Development

Every day, millions of people play computer games, generating substantial income for developers worldwide.

However, in certain regions, the demand for games is even higher, making localization a critical factor.

So, let's explore:

• Which languages are the most popular for game development
• How much developers can gain by adapting their products to the needs, traditions, and expectations of users who speak these languages

English

We are absolutely certain that the prevalence of English does not require explanation.

The United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, and other English-speaking countries took over 40% of global gaming revenue.

Because of its global reach, most gamers can speak English, so localization is essential for any game.

Simplified Chinese

Over the past few years, trends in the global gaming market have shown a steady growth in the Chinese market; its value is approaching $50 billion.

According to 2022 statistics, 94% of local players prefer products with a version in their native language, and developers who have gone ahead and localized have seen a 400% increase in downloads.?

We believe this is a strong argument for the Chinese version's development!

Japanese

The respect for the native language in Japan is strong; though most of its residents know English, 87% of gamers would prefer a product in Japanese.

If we consider the fact that the local gaming market's worth is over $19 billion and Japanese localization may result in a 300% sales boost in the region, all efforts to adapt the game to the expectations of the players here will surely pay off.

Korean

South Korean users are tech-savvy; that is why gaming revenue is growing rapidly and exceeded $9 billion last year.

However, despite their advanced skills, local players are still more willing to choose games in their native language, so localization is necessary if you want to win this promising market.

Spanish (Hispanic America included)

The gaming sphere shows an impressive path in development, reaching $7.2 billion in revenue by 2022.?

Both Latin Americans and Spaniards are faithful to their language and would rather choose a simpler product in Spanish than a high-quality and engaging game without a localized version. This is a compelling reason to take a step towards this audience!

German

Germany is the largest country in Europe, with considerable influence in many spheres, including the gaming market; the developers generate over $7 billion each year.

According to statistics, 80% of local gamers trust the products in their native language, and localization into German can result in a rise in sales by up to 50%.

Arabic

The MENA (Middle East and North Africa) market has shown the most impressive growth within recent years, reaching around $6.5 billion per year.?

The English language expansion is not so intense here, and 75% of gamers still prefer to play in Arabic.

Despite the challenges posed by the significant differences between Arabic and European languages, pursuing the MENA market is a worthwhile goal.

French

Canada contributes a lot to the French gaming market's share in the country, raising its value to over $5 billion each year.?

Although millions of French and Canadians speak English quite comfortably, 70% of players still prefer to use the French version of any game, so localizing in this direction will definitely increase loyalty to your product.

Portuguese

Portuguese may not seem too crucial for the game’s localization, as long as you don’t include Brazil. With the gaming segment's revenue hovering at 3 billion dollars, this market is becoming a significant consideration for developers.?

By localizing your game to Brazilian Portuguese, you win 88% of local players and can increase the number of downloads by 200%.

Italian

Italy boasts one of the largest gaming communities in Europe, and 68% of its members are more eager to try a game in their native language. Though the localization into Italian may be challenging, the game is worth the candle because you win a considerable part of the European market!

As you can see, the game localization involves many languages, making it difficult to cover them all. Why not prioritize? For a consultation and to place your order, contact us!