Video game translation is a field that at first glance seems to be a little different from more common translation fields such as translation in the marketing and promotion sectors. After all, it is about translating the elements of a product, the packaging, the promotion that accompanies it, the product being a video game in this case. As for the user manual (the physical version of which has almost entirely disappeared), it goes without saying that the translation must be clear and precise, since it contains the general conditions of use, not to mention the legal content, which must be mentioned in accordance with the law. However, when it comes to the deeper content of the video game itself, it is not always a technical or specialized translation that will be needed; I am referring here to texts, dialogues, and other elements that in principle call more upon the translator’s imagination. So, based on the nature of a product of this type, there is one question that can be asked: will the translation of a video game rather be seen under the spectrum of technical translation, belonging to a specialized field, or can it be considered as a literary translation?
A Short History of Video Game Translation
Nowadays, thanks to technological developments, video games increasingly resemble film productions, but this has not always been the case. At the beginning of the 1980s, arcade games were in vogue, and it was rare to see dialogue scenes between several characters. These were mostly short sentences, small exclamations, or even just announcing the title of the game on the screen. For these reasons, very few games of the time had subtitles, but it was not uncommon to hear computer-synthesized voices to accompany the text on the screen. Although some efforts were already being made at the time, it was still difficult for people who were hard of hearing or spoke other languages to fully enjoy the game.
A prominent example from that time is a game called Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, which, although designed for an English-speaking audience, offered English subtitles for some German phrases. It was not until the 1990s and the democratization of CD-based games that point and click games came on the market, with real dialogue scenes. But although these scenes were often accompanied by better quality voices, it is difficult to consider this as subtitling in the strict sense of the word.
It wasn’t until a few years later that games began to offer real subtitling options for their dialogues. Examples include Half-Life 2, the first game to allow you to adjust the size of the text displayed on the screen, and more recently in 2015, Dragon Age Inquisition, which allowed you to display or remove the image behind subtitles for better readability.
Basic Rules of Video Game Translation: The Localization Process
Like translation, localization involves a linguistic transfer from one language to another and must deal with the same basic issues (meaning, grammar, spelling). However, localization also involves adapting the content to the standards and market of the target country, whether this involves non-textual data (currencies, units of measurement, date or time formats, etc.) or cultural elements (references, jokes, taboo subjects, etc.). Localization also has additional constraints due to the nature of the media (limited number of characters on certain formats, tags, variables, etc.).
Respect the character limit
This is one of the great specificities of video game localization.
This restriction can be explained in different ways. It can be due to display problems, screen space or the screen resolution of the destination medium (mobile screens and televisions do not have the same constraints, for example).
And even if there are no explicitly specified limitations, one should always try, for the sake of style, not to go too far beyond the length of English and to be as short and direct as possible. Although video game translation requires a lot of writing and creativity, it is not a literary translation either. You need short, punchy sentences!
Be discreet about your work
As in many sectors, it is important to remember that the content of certain documents is sensitive or even confidential.
In the field of video games, discretion applies on several levels: the content you work on (names of games and any information related to the game) but also the names of clients and/or intermediaries. So of course, it depends on the clients and the agencies, but this is where the famous NDA (Non-disclosure agreement) comes into play, which you will be asked to sign on the first day and which must be read carefully because it clearly explains what is confidential and what is not. This is to be taken very seriously because legal action can be taken against you if you do not respect this agreement.
Be consistent and respect terminology
Not only within a file, but also in relation to previous files.
If this is the first time the game has been localized and it is the first edition of this game (and therefore not a sequel), a clear and organized glossary must be created from the start, the form of which must be discussed with the client. Because even with a good memory, it is impossible to remember all the names of characters/weapons/places and because time is precious and tends to be short in translation, it is better to be organized and efficient from the start.
If the game has already been partly localized or if it is part of a series whose previous episodes have already been localized, it is not necessary to reinvent the whole game universe (unless you are asked to, of course). It is mainly the proper names that must remain consistent: places, characters, spells, etc. but it can also be the wording of sentences. If this is not consistent, the game loses quality and credibility, which affects its success with the public and therefore its sales.
It is therefore imperative to use all existing translations of the game, to rely on available terminology resources (glossaries, translation memories, etc.) and to follow the client’s instructions.
In addition, it is important to know that the terminology to be managed can be divided into several categories, which must be differentiated and respected:
- – terminology specific to the publisher, developer or medium (e.g., names of keys)
- – terminology specific to the theme or type of game (e.g., sport, war, science fiction, etc.)
- – terminology specific to the game (e.g., names of characters, locations, etc.)
What Kind of Translation is Video Game Translation?
Translating a video game requires a lot of translation skills, especially technical translation. Indeed, although most video games are considered literary works, we tend to forget the elements that are generally found from one game to another. If we look at the menus of a game, we quickly realize that terms such as « New game », « Load game » or « Credits » are present in all games, and it would be disturbing for players to translate them differently.
One can also find elements related to technical translation within a game itself. Let’s take the example of the game The Sims, known to most of players. The game consists in creating a character that resembles you (or not), and making him live a life of his own, and this is done above all by creating his house, so each piece of furniture or decorative element is detailed in the manner of a furniture shop catalogue.
Another very visible element of the video game’s technical translation is the user manual. In addition to presenting the compulsory legal mentions, it is used to guide the player in the installation and use of the devices and must therefore be written in a precise and detailed manner.
The literary aspect of video game translation lies mainly in its content, but often depends on the type of game to be translated. If we take the game FIFA as an example, a world-famous football game simulation, the literary aspect, and therefore the translator’s freedom of imagination, is only marginally used. On the other hand, if you ever have to translate role-playing video games, you will have much more leeway because you will have to translate the characters’ dialogues, and everything related to the game’s scenario and its story.
What if You Wanted to Start Translating Video Games?
Through this article, I hope that you have learned enough about video game translation to understand the different aspects of this industry. The skills required really depend on the kind of games you will be translating. You will need to have knowledge of the video game industry, but also interpersonal and communication skills, especially as you will be working in a team. But above all, let your passion for video games guide you.
Fabre Frédéric
La Traduction de A à Z 