In a world where the mobile gaming industry is evolving into a global phenomenon, developers need to know the essentials of conquering international markets.
Some of the world’s most populous places, including India, Japan, Indonesia, and China, are among the fastest-growing app markets, and the appetite for mobile games is only increasing.
We sat down with Hiroshi Nakamura, the content and translation manager from OnlineCasinoRank.org to break down some important aspects involved in game localization.
Nakamura says, “Game localization goes beyond just translating text; it’s about adapting a game to resonate with players from different cultures and regions across the world. To truly conquer international markets, developers must understand the nuances of localization and implement best practices.”
Through localization, developers can take advantage of the rising demand for localized content, expand their reach, and build a global player base. In this article, we delve into the secrets to breaking into the overseas market.
Why is Mobile Localization Important?
Localization will enable your game to have a wider reach through its exposure to more, bigger and better markets. Consequently, you can claim the full advantage of the monetization potential that increases with higher engagement.
Nakamura explains, “Mobile game localization allows you to reach new markets and truly break into them. Foreign gamers are always looking for someone who can show them that they truly care about their gaming experience and when localization is done right, it brings these new players into your world.”
Overseas players on the other hand are able to find games that offer experiences tailored to their preferences and those that resonate with their cultural backgrounds.
Localization Best Practices
Effective localization encompasses more than just language translation. It involves:
· Text Translation: Accurately conveying the game’s message while maintaining tone and context.
· Cultural Adaptation: Modifying content to align with local customs and preferences.
· UI/UX Adaptation: Ensuring the user interface and experience are intuitive for different cultures.
· Audio Localization: Translating voice-overs, sound effects, and music to match cultural expectations.
Secrets of Success
Localization isn’t just a one-time thing but a continuous process of adapting a game to various foreign markets according to language, culture, and regional preferences. It entails adjusting gameplay mechanics, graphics, and audio to appeal to a global player base.
Translating game texts and assets is the first step to succeeding in localization. A well-translated game allows players to easily understand the storyline, instructions and dialogues.
Developers should aim to work with native translators, especially those who are gamers themselves, as they can help maintain the essence of the game while still being accurate in their translation.
Beyond text translation, game localization requires adapting visual elements like images, animations, and icons to align with cultural norms.
What’s considered humorous or appropriate in one region might be offensive in another. By incorporating culturally relevant visuals, games can foster a stronger connection with players.
Examples of Games that Successfully Utilized localization
Pokémon GO: Niantic’s augmented reality phenomenon adopted localization by using local Pokémon spawns, significant cultural events, and real-world landmarks.
This attention to detail by the developers attracted a massive international fan base as players found these aspects exciting and worth exploring.
MiHoYo’s action RPG Genshin Impact is another example of well-done localization. It includes a fully voice-acted storyline and localized events that resonate with players around the world with a diverse set of characters.
Final Thoughts
For overseas players, a game may have no purpose if it lacks a good localization strategy. Users are likely to decide not to play the game again if they don’t understand it. Thus, your plans to grow would end up being ineffective.
The secrets we have given are key to helping you start and improve your journey of expanding your mobile game to overseas players and enjoy the monetary benefits that come with a wider reach. Embrace them and conquer the international markets in the right way!