gaming localization

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Andovar offers a comprehensive suite of translation, localization and multimedia services to the gaming industry. We provide coverage for a wide variety of electronic formats in every modern commercial language. Led by a culturally diverse team of experienced executives from around the globe, we offer a unique combination of resources, technology and expertise that ensures world-class quality at competitive rates. We can meet your requirements whether you require translation, audio or testing services.

Our Approach

We understand the importance of conveying every aspect of the gaming experience into multilingual marketplaces. This goes beyond accurate translation into the creation of authentic, culturally adapted gameplay by localizing game prompts, character voices, subtitles, websites and more.

Platforms Supported

• PC, Mac & Linux • Handheld: 2DS, DSi, 3DS, iPad, Sony PlayStation Vita • Sony PlayStation 3 & 4 • Mobile handsets: iOS, Android, Windows Mobile • Microsoft Xbox 360 & Xbox One • Online: casual, downloadable & MMO games • Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U

Gaming Localization

MAY 2015


Localization process for complex games

Collect Data & Develop Localized

Content

Integrate Localized Content into

Subcomponents

Assembly of Subcomponents

(Typically Client Side)QA Review / Testing Delivery

Script Approved / Frozen

Fix Required?

Fix Required?

Pass Functional Testing

Familiarization

Pass Linguistic Testing

Game Play

Build Translator Toolkit: Style GuideReference GlossaryCharacter Guides

Script Review&

Character Definition

Full Step Translation

Planning &File

Preparation

Voice-over

Text Integration

Graphic Localization(DTP)

Audio Integration

Integration

Functional Testing

Linguistic Testing

Deliver Final / Assembled Files

Project Completed

The state of development of the game is an important consideration for localization. If the final playable version of the game has been released, we can get familiar with how it plays and review the complete text. However, more often than not, game publishers opt for a simultaneous shipping (simship) model, which means releasing all language versions at the same time. This presents unique challenges to the localization process, since game text is under constant development and many assets cannot be provided in the beginning. The solution is a flexible cyclical approach involving several iterations of translated builds, which includes:

• Getting conceptual art if possible • Getting descriptions of game items and powers, even if only in source language • Getting character bibles if possible • Asking the client to point to a similar game already localized for reference

We have also learned that different processes should be applied depending on the type of game. Small and simple games with straightforward mechanics, require fewer resources and preparation. In such cases we often work with passionate gamers who enjoy translating games into their own languages as much as playing them, and make up for their young age with enthusiasm and gaming knowledge.

On the other end of the spectrum are complex games with extensive storylines, which require audio or subtitling, cultural adaptation and testing of localized builds. This calls for a translation team consisting of not only gamers, but also our most-experienced professionals and a more sophisticated process.

In general, while gamers provide valuable insights into style and terminology from the end-user point of view, professional translators are required for the bulk of translation work, especially dialogs and the narrative, which call for good writing skills. Andovar works with both for optimal results.

2Gaming Localization


Reference Materials

For complex games, it is important to create a termbase of common game terms (names of main characters, locations, items, quests, brand names, etc.) with their approved translations in all target languages, examples in context and guidelines on usage. In addition to text, a termbase can include images of key characters, locations and items to help linguists visualize the content. This document is usually created in collaboration between us, the developer, the publisher, our linguists and often the gaming community. Depending on the size of the game, it can take some time to agree on all terms, but a pre-approved termbase is a fundamental requirement for confident and consistent localization. Without it, translators would translate the same terms or names differently within one project or between updates, which would result in a confusing and poor experience for players.

The second important asset is a style guide. It includes guidelines about style that will be appropriate for the specific game, such as whether the language should be casual or formal, should use a medieval way of speaking or maybe futuristic. It can also go into specifics of using punctuation, capitalization, units of measurement and spelling. Similar to a termbase, a style guide is created before localization starts and in cooperation with all parties.

The third important asset is the translation memory (TM). You need to be sure that all translations are saved in a correctly formatted and updated TM for the specific game and can be reused to make future work quicker, cheaper and more consistent with previous translation. Some localization companies may not share translation memories with clients to make it more costly to switch vendors, but Andovar doesn’t condone this practice.

For storyline-driven titles with many characters, it is worthwhile to create a fourth type of asset called a game bible. It lists main characters in the game along with their images, bios, personality traits, styles of speaking, attitudes towards others and roles in the game world, along with an introduction to the game world and the story.

All these materials serve as a quick reference point for translators and voice-over artists and should be living resources which are continually reviewed as updates for the game are released.

Voice-over and Subtitling

Andovar has on-site studios in Bangkok to record new audio for game trailers, tutorials and cut-scenes in all commercial languages. It is best when we have access to the source language audio and video content to use as reference. Usually, our clients tell us what kind of voices they are looking for and we provide appropriate samples from our database. If that is not enough, we can also organize special casting sessions where candidates record sections of the actual game scripts. It is important that translated scripts are thoroughly checked and approved by all parties before recording begins.

In some cases, especially for games with a lot of audio, our clients opt for subtitling instead. This is a less expensive solution and allows completing the process much quicker than recording audio in all new languages.



Desktop Publishing

Many games include images which need to be localized. Sometimes it is only the title or splash page and sometimes there are hundreds of images spread throughout the game. If source files supplied by the client are in a format where text is on a separate layer from graphics, localization means extracting the text, translating it and then reintegrating with the image. This last step may require adjusting font sizes, shortening words or resizing text fields in order to accommodate the new strings.

Cultural Consultation

Culture shades the way we see the world, and the way that we express ourselves. It goes beyond language into imagery, context, and symbolism that can either support or impede in-language playability of your game. Andovar has the global mindset, regional resources and specialized knowledge to help you identify and adapt culturally inappropriate materials for improved acceptance by audiences worldwide.

Testing

We also provide on-device game testing services:

• Functional testing, which means making sure that the localized builds work correctly and the game has all the same functionality as the source;

• Linguistic testing, which focuses on accuracy of translation, since translating strings without any context can introduce mistakes.

For complex games, it is important to create a test plan before testing begins. It is a document with instructions for testers on what they should do to ensure all areas/screens are checked. This is yet another translation asset, which should be created in cooperation with the client. Testing should take different screen sizes and devices the game will run on into consideration.


Singapore (HQ)

Andovar Pte Ltd#19-08 Prudential Tower30 Cecil StreetSingapore 049712

Phone: +65 6532-1281Fax: +65 [email protected]

Thailand

Andovar (Thailand) Limited261/2 Sukhumvit 49/15Klong Tan Nua, WattanaBangkok 10110

Phone: +662 712-7196Fax: +662 [email protected]

Colombia

Andovar SASCR 43ª Sur N° 9-91Torre Empresarial Las VillasTorre Norte Of 1103El Poblado, Medellín

Phone: +57 4 581 [email protected]

India

Andovar Localization Services Pvt LtdUnit No. A-10, 6th floorChaterjee International Centre33A Chowringee RoadKolkata, West Bengal 700071

Phone: +91 33 [email protected]

United States

Andovar LLC80 S.W.8th StreetSuite 2000Miami, Florida 33130

Phone: +1 305 [email protected]

The Andovar Advantage

Andovar is a global provider of multilingual content solutions. Our services range from text translation and content creation, through audio and video recording, to turnkey localization of websites, software, eLearning, video and games. Our headquarters is in Singapore, and offices in Thailand, Colombia, USA and India.

We started in Southeast Asia, with Western ownership and management. Placing production in low-cost countries has allowed us to offer more competitive pricing, while keeping quality at the highest international level. Andovar focuses on emerging markets and technologies, such as mobile, gaming, multimedia and cloud software. Emerging markets are the new frontier in localization and where others struggle with complex scripts and lack of standards, Andovar has the expertise to succeed.

We are a medium-sized company that is small enough to be agile and adaptable, yet big enough to handle projects of any size. While others try to automate everything and make localization a play-by-numbers game, Andovar creates customized solutions for each client to meet their needs and budgets. Andovar is employee-owned, and everyone has a stake in our clients’ success.

We do not sell any software solutions and we use the latest technology ourselves, which allows us to give impartial advice to our clients. A wide range of professional talent from across the world coupled with our own audio studios means we are a one-stop-shop for all localization projects regardless of size, type and languages required.

This is how we help our clients Make Themselves Clear in Any Language.