How to Get into Game Localization the Right Way?

Introduction: 

Trying to advance your career as a game translator? Or you are a developer who is trying to make his game localized? Indeed, having a deep love for languages and a lot of excitement for video games is necessary, but it's not enough. The rapidly expanding market is becoming more and more diverse, offering experiences that are superior to expectations and, as a result, driving the demand for game localization. Video adventures are what gamers need, and they want them delivered as soon as possible in a language they can comprehend.

The ability to deliver a satisfying customer experience that appeals to the local audience in the target area is one of the most enduring problems for global businesses. The products that these firms develop must be approachable and adaptable enough to take into account a user's native language, culture, and regional settings, such as currency, date, and time format. The localization of video games is a dynamic and expanding industry. You can participate in various ways, such as by working as a freelance translator or developer, joining a team, or opening your own business. 

Learning the fundamentals of game production is the first step toward beginning your independent career in localization. It's crucial to comprehend the steps involved in game development, how to use a game engine, and what tools are available. Many language and video game enthusiasts have the desire of working in the localization industry. It can be challenging to break into a field that inspires this much fervor, though. The question of how to get into game localization brought you here, that is why we are going to give some suggestions to get you going. 

What is Game Localization？

The process of taking a game from one country and making it available to users in other countries is known as game localization. In-house (for a game studio or a localization/translation company) or freelance, people who work in game localization might have several jobs including editing, quality assurance, marketing, etc.

How to get into Game Localization?

If you are someone looking to enter this industry, you have to come across many myths and disbelief along the way of learning new skills and industry knowledge as well. Let us get through all of the things one by one:

1. Awareness of key in Game Localization:

There is an abundance of material available online that may help you pursue your goals in this industry. There are a ton of articles, forums, tools, online and offline courses, advantages, and cons of game translation available. Don't pass up the chance to sit down and conduct a search on the topic; you won't want to mess around. You will undoubtedly extend your perspective by studying various projects and learning the fundamentals, which will help you make judgments in the future. 

You will be less likely to make careless blunders only because you were exonerated in advance if you read other people's perspectives and actively seek information. Additionally, always double-check when working on a project for a future job. Because initial impressions last the longest, behave responsibly and professionally.

2. Know your direction, literally!

You will need to decide what kind of work you are interested in when entering this industry. Working internally for a developer/translation agency or as a freelancer are the two basic alternatives. Depending on circumstances like your location (or ability/willingness to relocate) for in-house roles or self-discipline/motivation for freelancing, each has its benefits and drawbacks and may be more or less straightforward to achieve. Consider the positives and negatives thoroughly before making a decision.

3. Make your Network!

Numerous companies that specialize in localizing video games are frequently looking to add new translators to their staff. Make it known when you get in touch with them that you have at least some experiences and are an expert in games. The next step is up to you after you're likely asked to take a test. Although agency rates are seldom low, they can still provide a consistent workflow, which is how many of us began developing our businesses. 

Even while many developers collaborate with external localization teams, you can occasionally come across job listings for independent translators online. It may be a good idea to follow those businesses on social media to be informed of these possibilities as soon as they become available. Apart from answering the question of how to get into game localization, we also need to look into how it's done and outcomes.

What is Game Localization Testing?

Software testing methodology known as "localization testing" looks at a software product's suitability for a particular target audience's region, locale, language, culture, or technological requirements. The goal of localization testing is to confirm that a software product's behavior is appropriate for users in a particular locale. It is significant to note that only the product's localized version is tested for localization.

Benefits of Game Localization:

Localization is a great way to communicate with a global audience while also presenting business prospects for firms, that must embrace a global approach to remain competitive. The following are some advantages of localization testing in software testing. It supports the creation of software tailored to local cultures and preferences, enhancing a product's appeal as a worldwide brand. It increases the scalability of the testing process. As a business develops into new nations and areas, localization tests can boost its chances of success.

If you are a developer or part of an organization developing a game, then we recommend opting for WeTest, which is rated to be a provider of cutting-edge software testing solutions, in this case, compatibility testing for games and apps. Clients get to opt for Localization Quality Assurance from WeTest where they will get Cultural Compliance Testing, Audio and Video Testing, Language Semantic Testing, and in-depth Interface Display Testing, all done by professionals and industry veterans.