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An average video game developer is often trapped in thinking that all that may be necessary to reach an international market includes a simple translation.
The key to a successful localization is letting your assistant know about the purpose of your video game and all the little details and menu parts. Let the person play the game and see all the popup banners and the elements that must be translated. Discuss the content and calculate the price and time in advance, so you know what to expect and do not miss any important deadlines.
Since some languages like Spanish and Italian will have a natural expansion by at least 15%, it is crucial to consider the scalability issues and the typical limitations of the GUI. It is a reason why video game developers should be always available for consulting to achieve the best results without having to remake any design elements.
Another important part of any video game localization is studying your audience, so all the important keywords and popular slang words are included. It is what helps to adjust the content to the user base. Working with an experienced translator helps, which is why you can check TheWordPoint and explain your requirements. The translators will already know the country’s specifics in this field and will assist you with helpful ideas and recommendations.
Check for personal names, brands, and numbers. Always double-check for the use and transliteration of character names, brands, and the numbers, which differs in some countries. Pay attention to the creation of helpful manuals where it may be necessary or add special boxes if the language requires more text.
Localization is not a word-to-word translation. Remember that the main task of any localization service is to adjust the original text and make it fit. Working with video games does not require a precise translation like it is with healthcare or legal documents. It is your time to be creative, so participate along with the translator, ask questions, and offer ideas.
Leave enough space for SEO work and advertisement. It is often ignored even by the large video game developers, yet localization also offers several hidden benefits. One of them is the installation of relevant keywords and phrases that will help with the promotion of your product. Leaving enough space for SEO and advertisement, as well as social media links with special icons will help to save time and funds as your video game becomes popular.
