Game localization is adapting a game for a specific market or region by translating the game's content, including text, audio, and images, into the target language. However, game localization is more than just translation. It involves cultural adaptation, compliance with legal regulations, and technical considerations.
Technical aspects of game localization
Regarding game localization, there are several technical aspects to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Character encoding
Character encoding is crucial in game localization, as different languages use different character sets. For example, the English alphabet has 26 letters, while the Chinese language has over 50,000 characters. Therefore, ensuring that the game's code supports the target language's character set is essential. Otherwise, the translated text may display incorrectly, leading to readability and comprehension issues for players.
In the Japanese language, there are three character sets: hiragana, katakana, and kanji, with over 50,000 kanji characters. In Chinese, the GB2312 character set has 6,763 characters, while the more comprehensive GB18030 character set has 27,533 characters.
Font compatibility
Fonts play a critical role in game localization, as they can significantly impact the game's visual appeal and readability. Each language has its own set of fonts, and some may not be compatible with the game engine or platform. It's important to select fonts that are compatible with the target language, ensure the game engine can support the font, and make sure the font can display all necessary characters correctly.
Arial is the most commonly used font in the video game industry, followed by Helvetica and Verdana. Some languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, are written from right to left, which may require different fonts and alignment.
Text expansion and contraction
Text expansion and contraction refer to the phenomenon where the length of translated text may vary compared to the original text. For example, a single word in English may translate to several words in another language or vice versa. Text expansion and contraction can significantly impact the game's user interface, as it may affect the layout and design. Therefore, planning for text expansion and contraction during the game's design phase is essential.
According to a study by game localization company Moravia, text expansion can range from 10% to 70%, depending on the language. English to Spanish text expansion can range from 10% to 25%, while English to Japanese can expand up to 200%.
Audio and video localization
Audio and video localization involves translating and recording dialogue, sound effects, and music. This process requires specialized equipment, software, and expertise to ensure that the audio and video quality matches the original content. Additionally, cultural differences may affect the appropriateness of the content, requiring careful adaptation to ensure the game's success in the target market.
The cost of voice recording and dubbing varies widely by language and market, with some calls costing up to 10 times more than others. The time required for audio and video localization can also differ significantly. For example, a simple dialogue recording in a small language can take as little as one day, while a more complex recording in sign language can take several weeks.
Testing and quality assurance
Testing and quality assurance are crucial aspects of game localization, as they ensure that the localized version of the game is free of errors, bugs, and glitches. Testing involves evaluating the game's functionality, usability, and content, including text, audio, and images. It's essential to have a team of testers who are fluent in the target language and familiar with the culture and norms of the target market.
Localization testing can be time-consuming and costly, depending on the complexity of the game and the number of languages being localized. Planning for testing early in the game development process is essential to ensure a smooth and successful localization.
According to a report by Common Sense Advisory, localization testing accounts for 33% of the total localization cost. The report also found that localization testing can take up to 50% of the localization project's time.
Conclusion
Game localization is a complex process requiring attention to detail and language, culture, and technology expertise. Technical considerations are crucial in game localization, and planning and preparing for them early in the game development process is essential. By addressing technical concerns, game developers and publishers can ensure a smooth and successful localization, resulting in a better user experience and increased market share.
In summary, the technical aspects of game localization include:
Character encoding.
Font compatibility.
Text expansion and contraction.
Audio and video localization.
Testing and quality assurance.
By considering these technical aspects, game developers and publishers can create a localized version of their game that meets the needs and expectations of players in different markets and regions. For more details, please write me at business@linguidoor.com