There is nothing better than a video game to pass your free time, right? But do you know that the games you play are not developed in your country? This brings in the thought of how a game can be so relevant to your linguistic and cultural preferences even if it is not developed by your local game companies. The answer is game localization.

What is Game Localization?

Video game localization is the process of adapting your video game content to resonate with your target region’s local preferences. The process is done by a professional software and game localization agency. It includes translating the textual, visual, and audio elements of the game to ensure successful global reach. 

Launching a game in the global market demands translating it into multiple languages and adapting to diverse cultures. Players prefer games that are available in their native language. Localization ensures that players get an exceptional experience and develop a better understanding of the game. 

The Benefits of Video Game Localization

At its lowest, localization improves the user experience of your game and at its best, it offers a multitude of benefits, including:

1) Increased Player Base and Market Reach 

Developing an English-only game limits your reach as only 1.46 billion people speak English which is only 18.07% of the world population. Therefore, by launching your game in English only, you will miss out on a huge potential player base. Localization allows you to expand your reach across borders efficiently while offering the game in your audience’s preferred language. 

With localization, you can easily increase your market reach while ensuring your message is delivered accurately without losing its essence. Choosing a professional translation company helps you translate your game into multiple languages and create a localized marketing strategy. 

2) Enhanced Player Experience and Satisfaction

Games are based on complex and technical terminology, understanding which becomes challenging for non-native players. Players do not like games that are difficult to understand. Localization provides a personalized experience to players from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It ensures that players get a hassle-free gaming experience and develop a better understanding of the game’s unique features and functionalities. 

3) Stronger Brand Image and Loyalty 

Localization does not only prove advantageous at the player level but has a great positive impact on your brand name. Perfectly localized games let players think that the game is developed by a local company. This gives them a sense of satisfaction, and they are likely to stick to the game for a long time. As a result, it improves your brand identity in the global market and enhances loyalty with international players. 

4) Cultural Relevance and Stronger Connection with Players 

Emphasizing cultural nuances is a crucial part of any game localization strategy. Therefore, it is better to hand over the project to a trusted game and software localization agency. They have native speakers with expertise in the gaming field. Their knowledge of the target region’s cultural intricacies allows them to create a culturally relevant game and provide players with a truly personalized experience. Using idioms, humor, and cultural references develops a better understanding of the audience’s preferences and boosts a strong connection with them. 

Key Challenges in Game Localization 

While game localization offers various benefits, there are a few challenges to consider:

1) Linguistic Challenges 

Language is the medium of developing a strong connection. However, dealing with multilingual audiences poses challenges in understanding the intricacies of diverse languages. Each language has a different structure. Some deliver a message in a few words, and some require extensive word count. For example, if you translate a text from English to German, the length of the content will increase to almost 15%. This makes it difficult to fit into the same structure, but not for a localization company. With their expertise, they translate the text in a manner that fits the tabs without changing the structure. 

2) Cultural Challenges

Along with languages, diverse cultures is another problem. You cannot just throw a joke into all versions of your game. Only a few might just relate to it, while others won’t understand because they are not aware of the context behind it. So, while using humor, idioms, puns, and local references in the game, cultural nuances become a barrier. From the game’s UI to the character’s attire, everything should be relevant. If you fail to deliver a culturally appropriate game, players won’t like it as they cannot connect with it. 

3) Technical Challenges 

Localization is not limited to language and cultural nuances. While translating your game’s content, you need to take care whether the UI is compatible with different platforms and the text doesn’t overlap. Your game must look perfect on mobile phones, PCs, consoles, and playstations.

How to Localize Your Game Efficiently?

Game localization is an ongoing process. Due to the ever-evolving gaming trends and player requirements, you will need real-time translation of your game. If you are planning to translate the game after the completion of the development process, that’s the wrong approach. By doing this, you will have to manually translate the content every time the game is updated. Better to integrate the language sets and translation tools during the start of the development process. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to provide players with an amazing experience and ensure successful global reach.