Game Localization Terms
Let’s Look at Terms
This time, I am going to explain some of the terms that you will need to know in the localization of any IT suite, including game localization. By understanding each term and concept, it will give you a clearer understanding of what is required for the product to be released.
Translation
Definition:
The process of transferring a particular language into one’s own or another language
As stated in the definition above, translation refers to the process of translating one language into another. Since it is a process of simply moving the contents of a text, cultural factors may be considered or simply translated literally depending on the character of the person (or translator) conducting the work.
In the translation industry, it is the simplest and least expensive task, but from an outside perspective, surprisingly, many people expect that all the work they want will be done and the results will come out all from within this keyword ‘translation’.
Localization
Definition:
The process of producing products and services optimized for the cultural, linguistic and commercial needs of a particular region
Literally, localization refers to translating and refining content to meet [local] requirements. The smallest details may refer to weights or measures (miles, pounds, feet, meters, etc.) or currency (won, dollar, yen, etc.) being modified to suit local sentiment, or, depending on the circumstances, you may need to change the game’s content, images, music, etc.
For example, in 2002 a console game called Kakuto Chojin was found to contain some verses from the Qur’an, the holy text of Islam, included in the background music, which led to the total recall and subsequent discontinuation of the game.
How bad would it be if a game, that had been developed for years, was unable to be released solely due to an ignorance about localization? Calling all bosses who want to do business with gamers around the world!! Please take localization into account along with game development!
Internationalization (Standardization)
Definition:
The process of planning, designing and developing products and services with standardized procedures regardless of country or region
Internationalization is a correct term for describing this, but it is recommended to call it [standardization], given that this process itself focuses on establishing standards for internationalizing products.
Simply put, the work done in the standardization process, is to neutralize(?) the product. That is, to make a calm(?) product by considering various cultural and emotional aspects so that it does not cause any problems in any local market.
In terms of translation, it can also be seen as the process of making a vessel that can contain multiple languages in a product. In particular, with games that do not go through this process, they can often require changes after production. For example, UI design may require changes or separate QA/LQA tests for language addition may be required as needed during localization. It makes a lot of difference in terms of time and money.
Standardization itself is a costly operation. It creates an unknown situation where you have to spend more money early on in assuming the game will be released worldwide later on. In order to more easily understand about expenses, refer to the table below.
As you can see from the graph above, the initial development costs for standardization is slightly higher than without. However, it can reduce the number of overlapping processes, resulting in shorter development periods and costs overall.
Globalization
Definition:
The comprehensive process of bringing a product to the global market through human resources, marketing, and technology (e.g., management/marketing strategies)
The above is the exact definition of globalization when it is assumed that the actual product is released. But if it is solely in a translation context, I would like to modify the definition as the following:
Modified Definition:
The total sum of all regions that go through localization in each region after going through standardization (internationalization)
As mentioned earlier, standardization (internationalization) is the process of making everything uniform before it is given individuality, and when distributed to each region, localization is performed according to the region, and I think it is right to call this entire process ‘globalization’. The following image depicts this process:
Today we have looked at the four most basic terms (translation, localization, internationalization, and globalization). I hope that it will be of a little help to those who dream of expanding overseas.