Esports, or electronic sports, is the concept of competing in video game tournaments in an organized manner. Several teams or individual players from different countries get together to compete against each other. Multiplayer competitions in video games have been around for the past 50 years. However, since the rise of globalization, these competitions have been played at a professional level, giving rise to esports.
In 2024, esports became huge, with over 67,000 global tournaments in 152 games. Several thrilling games like League of Legends, Valorant, Dota 2, and EAFC have garnered worldwide popularity with the rise of esports.
But have you imagined how these games connect global audiences from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds? The rising interest in the fascinating world of video games is due to localization services offered by professional agencies that connect players worldwide.
In this blog, we will focus on how localization and translation services unlock video games’ potential and uplift esports on the global stage.
What are Game Localization Services?
When you think about game localization, you may picture simple translation. But localization is much more than that. A successful localization adapts the game’s content to make it engaging and fit for foreign markets. This includes:
- Translating in-game texts like dialogues and instructions
- Adapting the user interface to local preferences
- Implementing cultural references of the target region
Localization services are essential to ensure that the video game industry transcends geographic and linguistic boundaries and provides an alluring experience to gamers worldwide.
Benefits of Game Localization
- Boost sales: Curating video games according to your consumers entertains and impresses them, resulting in higher engagement and sales.
- Build lasting connections with gamers worldwide: Localization creates a unique bond between game developers and customers. Most gamers feel valued and nostalgic while playing localized games.
- Improve app store rankings and reviews: Going the extra mile and making the game special with localization services is an efficient way of getting a 5-star rating.
- Diversify your target market: The gaming market is huge, and companies can create a diverse pool of customers by localizing their games according to different target markets.
WANT TO LOCALIZE YOUR GAME AND ENSURE GLOBAL SUCCESS?
Then reach out to us and let’s make your dream a reality!
Case Study: Localization into Japanese
The following case study on the world-renowned game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, highlights some benefits of localization into the Japanese language and culture.
Key Adjustments in Localization
- Translation and Linguistic Changes: Several texts inside the game, such as dialogues, menus, instructions, and terms and policies, were rewritten in Japanese using accurate grammar and vocabulary.
- Cultural Adjustments: The game franchise contains several folklore references, which were adjusted according to Japanese culture for better engagement.
- Voice Acting: Professional Japanese voice actors replicated Geralt of Rivia’s deep baritone voice for a more immersive experience.
- Visual Tweaks: The UI and character designs were slightly adjusted to align with the Japanese preference for bright colors.
The Result
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became a massive hit in the Japanese market, selling over one million copies. The game also set the record for being the most successful Western role-playing game (RPG) in Japan.
Want to explore how localization connects the Indian culture with the world? Then check this blog: India’s Localization Power: Connecting Cultures to the World!
Some Challenges in Game Localization
In-game localization is a complex process and brings forth some challenges.
- Linguistic Challenges: Several languages have different and complex sentence structures, vocabulary, and grammar. Ensuring accuracy in translation is crucial to maintain natural rhythm.
- Implementing Proper Honorifics and Slangs: Localization agencies must be cautious with slang and taglines, ensuring they align with the target culture.
- Visual and Gameplay Adjustments: Adapting visuals and mechanics requires high technical expertise to avoid errors that could impact game appeal.
Concluding Words
Esports and video games are here to stay for the long run. Additionally, with the rise in AI services, the gaming experience will be more enthralling. If you are a video game company looking to tap the limitless international market potential, then trusting professional localization services like Somya Translators is the best choice.
As an ISO 17100:2015 certified linguistic agency, we take pride in providing successful localization services to globally renowned companies.
Some Unique and Exquisite Localization We Offer:
- In-game menus
- Online text
- Dubbing scripts
- Screen messages
- Textual graphic editing
- Promotional and marketing materials
- System messages
- On-screen texts
- Game testing and QA support
- Voiceover for game characters
- Official instruction guides
So, why let language and cultural differences hold back your video game?
Contact us today, and let professionals unlock your game’s true potential on a global level.