Localization services are critical, especially in today’s expanding video gaming sector. As gaming is gradually transforming from a regional activity to a genuinely global one, addressing how localization contributes to the multiplication of coverage audiences becomes critical.
Converting gaming content in specific languages and cultures adds value for the players and significantly contributes to the expansion of your gaming company at the international level. Let us learn about it in more detail.
The Importance of Game Localization Services
There is much more to be involved in game localization services related to translation services since it is not just the translation of words. They articulate an extensive range of game content, making the game accessible to diverse players.
Besides changing texts, it includes adjusting graphics, sound effects, and gameplay mechanics to suit the preferences of the culturally distinctive target markets. For example, a dialogue adaptation, change of culturally sensitive details, or story locations as per the country.
How Localization Aids Companies in Global Gaming Market
Localization helps your gaming platform rise across countries in the following ways:
1. Expanding Reach to Global Audiences
A primary benefit of game localization services is referring games to more global audiences than local ones. By developing games in various languages or by adapting them to incorporate elements of the native language, developers can penetrate different gaming communities and potentially boost the sales percentage.
It was found in the research that localized games have a better response from the people. Gamers are willing to spend their time and even their money if they find the game of their interest resembling one that fits their taste. Well-developed localization designs create an attractive environment that is familiar to users, which makes it possible to encourage users’ emotional investment and provides high usage and repurchases.
2. Overcoming Language Barriers
Language issues are one of the significant challenges for game developers seeking to expand their companies into other nations. Often, translation of the source material kills all the appeal and interest that the game could have had because the target audience cannot understand the original language of the game.
Indeed, game localization services help to solve this problem and bring the game’s storyline, the principles of gameplay, and the tasks assigned to players to a level that will be comprehensible to each player regardless of their nationality.
In this manner, localization services remove language barriers and make gaming a more welcoming experience for everybody. Such compilation contributes to unity when players from different parts of the world can play the same games, thereby improving the general unity of all players.
3. Enhancing Player Experience Through Cultural Adaptation
There are always different values, later, even humor and netiquette, which need to be considered as well in localized games. Lack of attention to these factors may result in controversy or failure in specific markets.
For instance, modifying characters, the plot, or even the advertisements to local preferences may greatly affect the game. Such strict adherence to the rules of localization can turn an average game into an excellent one at certain locations.
4. Driving Revenue Growth and Market Success
The modern demand for the gaming market is rapidly growing as well, with its expected size reaching USD 665.77 billion by 2030 while demonstrating a CAGR of 13.1%. Many game companies hit the jackpot by localizing because, many times, developers gain not only a new legion of players but also new revenue streams from new localized markets. Local games possess higher market shares than international games because they meet the needs of the local game trader, thus increasing sales.
Case Studies: Successful Game Localization
Hansem Global was able to effectively perform localization for the gaming content of Netmarble through the localization quality evaluation of the gaming materials into various global languages. Games developed by Netmarble required a change so that they could appeal to the global audience as a leading game developer.
The company also responded to the above concerns regarding culture management and stability management. With the focus on the recipients of the products, their culture, and the story that the content serves, it became possible to assess if the translated text, in terms of interfaces, text, or dialogue subtleties, was adapted correctly; if there were any mistakes in the translation, or if something was translated but did not need to be; and so on.
The LQE process entailed several cycles of an error-feedback model to facilitate categorization in subsequent translations. Hansem Global also employed a game content translator to translate games and used updated glossaries all the time to retain consistency.
The outcome was smooth support for Netmarble’s game releases across different regions, which supports the company’s overall global revenues. It ensured that Netmarble maintained a satisfying video gaming experience for players worldwide by translating the updates and new products as and when Hansem Global provided fast and accurate translations.
The Future of Game Localization: Trends to Watch
The localization of games is also expected to expand over time, thanks to the ever-advancing nature of technology. There might be increased adoption of artificial intelligence in localization activities as it helps in translation and provides quick results within a short duration without any compromise on quality. AI can assist in identifying differences in culture and using these differences to keep localized versions of games as legitimate as possible.
Also, the global mobile gaming segment is expected to grow at a higher rate; hence, localization becomes extra essential. Self-developed and localized mobile games offer users easy access and can target the mass population. In this context, mobile game producers may be capable of identifying the offerings that would make a good impression on the players of the different world regions and, thus, define a high growth rate of global mobile gaming revenues.
Access Unmatched Game Localization Services
As the international gaming market grows, the importance of effective localization cannot be overstated. By ensuring your games resonate with a global audience, you not only improve player experience but also capitalize on immense growth opportunities.
To achieve the highest standards in game localization services, consider partnering with Hansem Global. Utilizing advanced AI technologies and backed by certified language experts, we provide comprehensive localization that captures the nuances of your game while making it accessible to diverse audiences.
FAQs
1. Which elements of a game are typically localized?
The elements that are usually localized include text and dialogue, in-game instructions and tutorials, user interface (UI) components, audio, voiceovers, and subtitles, and visual content, including culturally specific graphics and symbols. Marketing materials such as ads, websites, and social media content.
2. Can localization services be integrated into the game development process?
Yes, localization can be integrated into the early stages of game development, known as “localization readiness.” This ensures that the game is built in a way that makes it easier to adapt for different regions later on, saving time and resources while preventing costly post-launch changes.
3. What are the costs associated with game localization, and are they worth the investment?
The cost of localization can vary depending on the complexity of the game, the number of languages, and the regions being targeted. However, these costs are often justified by the increase in global reach, player engagement, and revenue.