The localization of video games has become crucial to reach a global audience and provide immersive gaming experiences to users around the world. In recent years, several elements have emerged that aim to improve translation efficiency, provide famous voice actors for character voices, and integrate local cultural elements into video games. These elements have been driven by new technologies and gamers’ demands for greater cultural authenticity.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game localization has led to significant advances in translation efficiency. AI-assisted machine translation systems enable developers to achieve fast and accurate translations of game texts. This technology can also recognize the context and environment of the game, further improving the quality of translations. However, it’s important to emphazise that AI is used as a support tool for human translators, as understanding cultural and linguistic nuances requires human intervention in order for it to be optimal and accurate.
Famous voice actors for character voices
Another important element is to use well-known voice actors for character voices within video games. As voices can play a crucial role in the immersion into the story and setting of the game, in order to bring characters to life in a memorable way, more and more developers are hiring famous voice actors, both in the game’s country of origin and destination country. This trend not only adds authenticity and quality to the voice acting, but can also attract the attention of players and increase interest in the game itself. Take, for instance, the iconic voice of the italian Luca Ward, who has accompanied the entire Ubisoft series for over a decade. Ward has voiced Sam Fisher in Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist and many more.
Development of Culturalisation
The demand for authentic and culturally relevant gaming experiences has led to an increase in the integration of local cultural elements into video games. Developers are striving to accurately represent cultural diversity through stories, characters, settings and visual details. This component reflects the importance of respecting differences and offering an inclusive portrayal that can engage and enthuse players of different backgrounds. The integration of local cultural elements can also increase the enjoyment of the game, as players will feel more involved and attached to the story and characters. For instance, effective localization can include translated dialogue that reflects the target country’s idiom, accent and humour. Furthermore, characters can be adapted to reflect specific cultural characteristics and traditions, avoiding stereotypes or superficial representations. Another key aspect is the setting of the game. A setting rich in cultural elements can offer a more immersive experience: this could include the representation of monuments, landscapes, architecture and iconic cultural symbols of the destination. Visual details, such as traditional clothing, cultural festivities or everyday objects, can also help immerse players in an authentic experience.
In conclusion
Ultimately, the long-established elements in video game localization reflect the Game Industry’s evolution towards a global mindset and reflect the importance of adapting to gamers’ cultural needs and preferences. Through the use of innovative technologies, a focus on translation quality and authentic representation of cultures, developers are striving to create engaging gaming experiences that have a lasting impact on gamers around the world. This contributes to fuelling growth and innovation in the field of localization. In order to keep up with the changes and innovations in the industry, GLOS offers a course in video game localization so that you can acquire the necessary skills.
