Why are games translated in English
Global market: English is one of the most widely spoken and understood languages in the world. Translating into English makes it easier for the game to reach a global audience and attract the attention of players from different countries.
Cultural influence: Many major game companies and developers are based in English-speaking countries such as the US and the UK. Games released in English can gain support and distribution faster due to connections with these markets.
Professional Resources: Most professional translators and localizers in the game industry can provide high-quality English translations. This is also due to the fact that there are more specialists in this field in English-speaking countries.
Standards and Requirements: Many game distribution platforms and services, such as Steam or the Apple App Store, require an English translation in order for the game to be available on their platforms.
Game Localization
Game localization – is the process of adapting a video game for different markets and cultures. It involves not only translating texts into other languages, but also adapting content such as soundtracks, graphics, and gameplay elements to make the game more understandable and appealing to local audiences.
In the process of localization into English, developers usually face several major aspects:
Language translation: Texts, dialogs, instructions and the game interface are translated into English. This includes not only lexical translation, but also adapting cultural connotations and expressions to make them understandable and relevant to an English-speaking audience.
Voiceover: If the game contains voiced dialogues, they may also be localized. This involves hiring professional voice actors and narrators who can convey the emotion and meaning of the original content.
Gameplay adaptation: In some cases, gameplay elements are adapted to meet the standards and preferences of English-speaking players.
Localization into English is often considered an important step for a game’s success in the global marketplace. English is often seen as the “language of international communication” and its use helps the game appeal to a wider audience.
