Working in the video game industry constitutes a dream for many tech and video game enthusiasts, but also for people with a translation and cultural mediation background. The path to make a profession out of this, however, should not be underestimated as it requires great commitment and dedication.
Tips for Becoming a Video Game Tracker
- Cultural awareness
A videogame translator is a professional who has a 360° view of the in-game components involved in the localization process.
One of the most important aspects is surely be perfectly aware of the target language that will then be used for the localization of a title, focusing not only on the purely linguistic aspects, but also the cultural and social ones, to allow the user play a totally immersive gaming experience.
A deep knowledge of the target culture is in fact essential. For example, a title localized in Japanese will be completely different from a title localized in Italian. This is because different adaptation processes are needed, as well as cultural content and linguistic translation methods will be partially different. - Gaming experience
It may seem trivial but… play, play and don’t stop! In addition to being an active part of the localization process inside the game development phase (language testing), the possession of technical gameplay skills allows the translator to be efficient not only at the content level, but also at a functional level.
A technical analysis of the overall gaming experience allows the detection of translation errors during revision or misunderstandings that can compromise the gameplay. As we have explained in previous articles, this function often falls under the tasks of the language tester.
- Start the journey in a different role
At first, ou may be selected for a position indirectly linked to translator position. But do not give up, many roles are obtained starting from the simple “assistant”. For example, many people have started their career in localization by becoming a language tester, gaining experience and then moving on to another role.
Another option to find initial projects is freelancing, this modality is often carried out throughout the entire career of a translator. To start collaborating with companies in the sector, freelancers often apply spontaneously for the localization of indie games, also through platforms such as Crowdin.
- Business Networking
Contacting companies is a fundamental step as in any other role, sending CVs and getting involved is very important. After submitting applications, you may receive a reply including a translation text. This step is the ideal opportunity to start your career as a localization specialist by passing the test and become part of databases of specific companies as a freelance.
Online translation communities are very wide and you can find specific websites for each specialization. Get in touch with colleagues, attend meetings and conferences. It will help to make yourself known and strengthen your online brnd. In the gaming sector, in particular, online communities represent a fundamental meeting point to create connections between the various specializations in game development: translators, developers and designers.
How much does it cost and where to study to become a video game translator
Surely an excellent starting point is to study and specialize in video game localization. In this way you will have the basics and knowledge necessary to pursue this career. On the Italian scene GLOS is the first localization school entirely focused on video games.
The specialization course in videogame localization is carried out 100% online and is suited for any translation, localization, adaptation and dubbing enthusiast who wishes to get involved this working environment. The program explores every single field of localization of interactive works: from the translation of texts and scripts to the adaptation and dubbing of video games, up to the areas of marketing (trailers, interviews, “making of”, documentaries, press releases, news, previews, etc.) and the literary translation of novels, short stories and comics taken from video games.
With a cost of 2000 euros, GLOS – Games Localization School offers a specialized training course that allows the student to enter in an extremely competitive and professional working environment, and that responds to the needs of an international market. The turnover in the video game sector does not see a crisis. With revenues in excess of $150 billion and annual growth of 19.6% (Newzoo),
GLOS is a key starting point to enter the world of video game localization.
