MemoQ: a CAT Tool for video game localization
CAT tools, are translation programs based on Computer Assisted Translation (CAT), are professional software used to support the localization process both in terms of quality and productivity. Among the most used and requested on the market, MemoQ and SDL Trados Studio stand out thanks to their technical features and simplicity of use.
In the first module of the GLOS – Games Localization School course, dedicated to the localization of text in the interactive product, the students have the chance to learn how to use MemoQ Translator Pro through exercises and case studies. In fact, GLOS is a member of MemoQ’s Academic Program: thanks to this partnership our students are provided with a free annual license of the software to help them enter the industry.
MemoQ, produced by Kilgray Translation Technologies, is considered the most advanced CAT Tool on the market. Available both to professional freelances and to companies, it has lots of advanced customizable functionalities, flexible management of files, an excellent quality check and the possibility to work on multiple files at the same time.
Introduction to MemoQ’s main features
Among the features that make this Cat tool stand out from the others the simplicity of use takes first place, this is thanks to the presence of a simple and convenient interface, easy even for beginners. The other main difference is the project’s level of customization provided by the software that allows numerous changes (even stylistic ones) based on the needs of the professional and the various localization projects you have to work on. A lot of actions are “just a click away” and you don’t need to go through the settings like in other software.
Here is an overview of MemoQ’s main functionalities, useful for a basic introduction.
Template creation and project management: MemoQ offers the possibility to create project templates that allow you to make the steps needed to create new files automatic, moreover, this CAT tool allows you to assign translation memories and term bases, run quality checks and much more.
Glossaries and TMs: MemoQ allows to create customizable glossaries and TMs. It is possible to import pre-existing glossaries or create new ones during the translation. The TMs help with productivity and work methodology, thanks to them the software automatically inserts previously translated words in the target text and it shows the match percentage for every segment: 100%, fuzzy match and so on. There are no internal MTs but there is the possibility to synchronize external ones through plug-ins.
Compatibility: MemoQ is compatible with most of the other translation tools on the market. You can import, translate and export files from other software in different formats.
Another main feature of this CAT, missing in other similar software, is the presence of filters you can apply to display previously translated text or compare documents.
Video game translators often use this type of software to guarantee a dynamic and productive workflow.
Find out on our blog which software are essential for a localization specialist and the everyday challenges they have to face in a translation project!
