𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐑𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐒𝐝 πŸ’« Game localizers

@fromthevoid.net

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Professional game localization services - committed to better industry practices. Darkest Dungeon I & II, Tinykin, Super Auto Pets, The Bookwalker... Devs & pubs: contact@fromthevoid.net Translators: jobs@fromthevoid.net https://fromthevoid.net/

Comparing the translation with the source text is mandatory. β€’ Does the translation relay the original intention, the intended feeling? β€’ Are there misinterpretations or mistranslations? While reviewing these points, never lose sight of the end-user experience. Players won’t compare source to target. What matters to them is their experience in their language. Some form of divergence in translation is allowed if it doesn't impair or even serves the target experience. Transcreation is often a good call, but sometimes misguided!
One thing (amongst lots of others) that differenciates game localization from other types of localization is implementation. β€’ Has the loc been tested and implemented properly? β€’ Is there any overlapping text or elements that don't fit in the interface? This was a particularly strong point in favor of Kathy Rain 2, where the implementation is immaculate.
Then, you’ll need to determine if the the style is good. β€’ Is it fluid, readable? β€’ Is the text adressing the player written in a way fitting the tone of the game? β€’ Does each character have a distinct voice?
Of course, you first judge the localization on a pure linguistic front. β€’ Is the language good? β€’ What about grammatical mistakes? β€’ Typos? β€’ Do the sentences make sense in the target language? β€’ Are they devoid of Anglicisms?
Localization is a creative field, thus inherently subjective. Combining the subjectivity of a panel helps tend towards objectivity, so this is why there were no less than five judges for ATAA’s game loc award. Nevertheless, it always remains subjective in some areas. The more aware you are about your own preferences, the fairer you can be.
A person in a graduation cap and gown holds a sign during an address by David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, at a Boston University commencement ceremony on 21 May 2023. Photograph: Steven Senne/AP
Let's translate, ethically, with human professionals "Sister Ka-Pow" into Spanish.
Instead of going for literal translations like "Zaraza' or 'Plaga' (which both have connotations with sickness) our Polish team opted for a made-up word: "Szarzyca". "Sniezyca" means snow storm and "szary" means grey. Therefore, the mash up of the two, "Szarzyca" evokes a grey storm... An ash storm!