Imagine a scenario where a Spanish gamer recommends a very popular local mobile game to his English-speaking friend in the States. However, all its instructions and features are written in Spanish, and they cannot be translated into English. 

Moreover, the gamer in the States does not know how to read Spanish. Of course, they will not be happy with the game. Here is where app localization comes into the picture. It is a process by which an app is adapted to a specific target audience’s cultural and linguistic needs.

This blog post will talk about the importance of game translation and localization software. 

Game Translations vs. Game Localization

More often than not, developers use the concepts of translation and localization interchangeably. However, there are a few differences to be considered.

Translation 

In this process, the game’s text is converted into another language. Typically, most global games come in English. Translation software is designed to assist individuals who are not fluent in English. The software does not alter the game’s functionality; only the text and audio get modified. 

Localization

This system aims to keep the gaming application relevant to the local beliefs and user patterns of a region. This is a more wholesome change, where, in addition to the language, there are changes to the gameplay, graphics, and music depending on the territory. 

For example, companies can change the basic storyline of a combat game to suit a peace-loving user base of a particular country. Game localization services guarantee precise translation of your game content while maintaining authenticity and the intended message.

What Does the Localization Process Look Like?

In 2022, there were a staggering 255 billion mobile app downloads worldwide, indicating a strong demand for content in users’ native languages. If you wish to reach a pan-world audience, it is imperative to ensure that language and culture do not hinder the user experience.

App localization can boost your mobile app’s reach, download rates, and revenue on a global scale. In most cases, you will have to outsource different components of the process to various third parties. This can incur huge costs, as the collaborative functioning of each stage will require lots of testing and releases. 

However, you can also take advantage of the services offered by companies that provide comprehensive support. The OneSky app localization service, for instance, is a prime example of such an enterprise. 

For example, their translation software can seamlessly integrate with your workflow to create a robust communication platform. Developers can utilize this software to simplify the translation process.   

The overall process involves multiple stages. 

• To begin with, it is essential to incorporate game translation management software into the game’s schema during the development phase. 
• Once the pre-production phases are complete, developers have the opportunity to work together with app translation service providers. By doing this, they can determine the ideal workable languages for the game.
• Moving on, the group must transcribe everything and record different directions, style guides, checklists, and more. Naturally, the game creation company will require sufficient money for the translation process. Arranging for funds becomes the next crucial step.
• To have the game localized, the company needs to focus on assets like text, game website, audio, visual elements, and beta-test use cases. Furthermore, during the process, the focus must be on culturalization and internationalization. 
• Inevitably, there will be certain legal agreements for the localization, as well. Once everything is set, the team has to create an ideal plan that is contextually appropriate to the game’s features. 
• After that, the game can go into a beta phase to collect reviews from the users. Preliminary in-country reviewing and source file examinations are important. Similarly, translation and localization testing during this phase can ensure quality and accuracy. 

With this, all the assets in the game will be ready for the international market. 

The Benefits of Game Translation and Localization

The popularity of the gaming industry needs no proof. Considering this, global outreach is probably the biggest benefit of gaming app localization. 

Translating a game into native languages is sure to increase the number of regional downloads and player review density. More and more players signing up establishes the credibility of your gaming application.  

With the game being culturally in sync with the local populace, the overall gaming experience is also elevated. For example, a combat game that has battlefields named after local streets is bound to entice players. This presents a scope for increased engagement and hours spent on your game. 

Localization also gives you exclusivity. With different versions of the game catering to different audiences, there can be stiff competition in the market. 

To conclude, the advantages of localizing mobile games are numerous. This makes it an essential strategy for game producers looking to succeed in the worldwide gaming market. Are you prepared to go on this voyage of mobile game worldwide success?