All video games must be translated and adapted for the relevant country's audience before being sold internationally. This important step is called “localization.”
Translating video games also requires precise skills on the part of the translator, who must faithfully recreate the “world” of the game while adapting to different translation media.
How do I translate a computer game?
Video game localization and translation includes all the elements needed to launch your product in a foreign country.
Video game translators must first translate all the audiovisual elements incorporated into the game.
Translation of audiovisual content
Below are translations of all the instructions that appear on the screen.
Dialog boxes Menus Instructions Error or help messages Other elements related to the video game interface.
Computer game translation also includes the integration of subtitles, dubbed dialogue, or other audio elements integrated into the game.
Marketing and technical support translation
International marketing of computer games also requires translation of all external communication media, whether technical (announcements, user manuals, etc.) or marketing (product packaging, game descriptions, launch advertisements, etc.) .
What are the challenges of video game translation?
Translating video games presents many challenges. The slightest translation error, word nuance, or lack of consistency can detract from a player's adventure or journey and reduce the quality of video game immersion.
In addition to careful linguistic knowledge, computer game translators must adapt their translations to the format of dialog boxes, among other things.
Language plays an important role in computer games. Instructions help players progress through the game, and dialogue, songs, and names are important in building the game's appeal.
Many players often download translation packs if they don't have access to a translated version in their language. These are sections of code embedded in the game that directly translate the content. However, this type of translation is rarely done by professional experts, so it is rarely an ideal alternative for enthusiasts looking for a fully immersive experience.
Therefore, professional video game translators play an important role. Their job is to ensure optimal gameplay by ensuring that even the most intelligent players do not realize that the game has been translated into their language.
What skills do I need to translate computer games?
Translating video games requires very unique skills specific to this industry.
First, recreating the game's fantasy in the target language requires a great deal of creativity in translating the script, dialogue, and all guides.
A professional translator must also find the vocabulary to translate all fictional elements (character names, attacks, weapons, etc.). To do this, you can also adapt translations to the type of game (action, adventure, strategy, role-playing, PC, etc.) to ensure that players experience: It's important. It's as immersive and authentic as possible.
Additionally, we carefully ensure that puns, jokes, expressions, and language levels are translated correctly, while the original intent is translated while adjusting cultural references to suit the target country, audience, and age group. Must be localized.
Therefore, to do this, the translator must have extensive knowledge of the culture of the country in which the translation will be used.
When it comes to the versatility of the many formats involved in computer game translation, translators need to be familiar with all types of media (source files, databases, audio files, videos, etc.).
For example, dubbing requires good pronunciation and speaking skills. Translating visual ads requires extreme care due to technical limitations. Translators must adapt to limited visual space, precise character counts, and forced timing that requires perfect synchronization.
Translating marketing and technical elements also requires special skills related to this type of media.
Professional translators who translate important elements for good game marketing (titles, slogans, etc.) and player use of the game (technical guides, instructions, etc.). Therefore, we must respect the original terminology used by video game customers, publishers, and producers.
Who should I contact to translate my video game?
As mentioned above, the translation of a computer game includes social and cultural aspects that help determine its quality. Therefore, it is important to use a translator who works in your native language and is based in the country where the target language is spoken. For example, a translation of a game into French must be done by a native French speaker.
To benefit from top-notch translations, it's best to work with translators who specialize in the multimedia industry and have experience in computer game translation and localization, marketing translation, or audiovisual translation.
At Alphatrad, we offer top-notch video game translation services in over 100 languages (including English, Spanish, and Japanese) with the expertise of professional native translators based in the countries where the target languages are spoken. Masu.
