So What’s So Different About Video Game Translation?

Have you ever had one of your kids try and explain a video game to you? It is as if they are speaking a completely different language to your own. In fact, many kids seem to speak in a different language anyway even when they aren’t discussing the latest video game!

You can imagine the challenges of translating the words and phrases which are unique to video games as a genre and to each specific video game as it emerges and evolves. Japanese video game creators and manufacturers have tussled with this unique set of language problems for years, but it is by no means confined to the difficulties in translating Japanese words and characters. 

The fact is that video game translation really requires a team of specialised translation services personnel who deal exclusively with video game language. That’s the ideal scenario, but it’s not always possible of course. The number of truly specialised video game translators is probably quite small. 

The challenges of video game translation for the professional translator are compounded by the fact that new terminology and characters are emerging all the time as video game creators attempt to develop new themes to keep their customers interested and promote sales. A lot of characters in video games are often culturally specific and it takes quite a lot of thinking on the part of the translator to convert these characters into an equivalent that will have the same sort of impact in a different language and cultural setting.

Of course, similar challenges exist when new films have appeared which use language which is obscure or specific to the setting of that film. Think of the Lord of the Rings, for instance. The setting is one taken from a Nordic (Scandinavian) base, with a Tolkienesque twist. Translating the utterances of elves and trolls into Arabic, Vietnamese and Hindi (just to name a few languages) is a major translation feat and yet it has been done because films like that have universal appeal which transcends borders. Video games are in a very similar group, with the added challenge that the language is often even more unique to a particular game. 

One thing is for sure and that is that video games are not going to go away any time soon and that means that there is plenty of scope for the translator who is contemplating a shift to professional translation services specialising in video game translation.

Ever Thought About the Value of Translation for Your Business?

Are you thinking of expanding your business overseas? Have you considered how you are going to get your message across to those who don’t speak English? Research has shown that 80% or more of Internet browsers prefer websites in their own language and they might just miss out on what you have to offer unless you have translated all your marketing material.

In fact, these days it’s not just targeting an overseas market for whatever it is that you produce that’s important. There are many communities right in your midst who appreciate information in their own language, even if they have a working knowledge of the main language of that country.

You might now be thinking how you can cut a few corners with translation tasks. Do you really need to pay out for a professional translation service? The short answer is “yes.” The cheap alternative is to use one or other of the readily available computer generated translation programmes, but they are not up to scratch if you are serious about attracting business. In fact, a poorly translated marketing message could do the opposite to what it is intended to do. It could offend, confuse, amuse or annoy your target audience, but it might not help to sell your goods.

Businesses that most benefit from professional translation services

Businesses depend on professional translators not just when they market their goods. They may need to translate information or technical manuals so they can be used by buyers who speak a different language. That includes businesses that manufacture appliances and technical products of all kinds.

Medical equipment suppliers may need document translation experts to translate medical information and instructions so that their specialised equipment can be used elsewhere.

Most businesses that choose to expand into other countries will find a raft of regulations they have to deal with. They may need legal documents translated, applications for subsidiaries and branch outlets to be set up and a stream of communication that has to be translated so that it can be read and understood by partners and officials anywhere where the business is intending to expand into.

The travel and tourism industry has long embraced professional translation services, although some of the worst translated materials are also present in this sector. Many tourism operators, hotels, travel agents, anyone involved in dealing with overseas tourists will need to make sure they have advertising material and information in the most common languages of the tourists that come regularly to that country. Tourists will come again if they feel at home and welcomed in their host country and well translated, culturally sensitive and accurate material will help to make that all the more certain.