The impact of globalization on video game localization

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing popularity of video games, a question is growing in prominence with global audiences. It's the question of accessibility as demand for the product grows more and more. Audiences want to spend money on many hot releases but can't because of the language barrier. So many popular games come from overseas in their native languages, making it harder for those not well-versed. Several games, for example, came from the East, such as Stellar Blade. But there is a solution to this problem called game localization. Please read this article to the end to learn more about the solution.

WHAT IS GAME LOCALIZATION?

For those who don't know, Game localization is an increasingly critical part of a game's success in the globalized market. It is the finalization process before a game gets a wide release. It involves several procedures that require precise planning and dedication to complete. And it can make or break a game release.

The primary function of the process is to convert a game from its home language to the language of its markets of release. It is the act of meticulously translating the text and dialogue found in a game to as many other languages as possible. So the game can have the widest audience and ensure a high return on investment.

However, there are several other layers to the process. The act of game localization also requires a preparation period. They have tasks like extracting strings from the code and submitting them to a management system. Furthermore, there are other jobs, such as creating a strategy, running a locKIT, assuring quality, etc.

And doing all these tasks in a timely and thrifty way is crucial to a game's success on the global market.

WHAT IS GLOBALIZATION?

But some might wonder why expanding to foreign markets has become a priority. The reason why is that the process of globalization has grown more and more in the modern era. The world is now more connected than ever, and it would be foolish not to capitalize on it.

There's been a shift in the world as technology has progressed. Information flows at an immense speed that allows awareness of every topic. Globalization is the word used to describe the increasing connectedness of the world. Countries can share goods, cultures, and people better than they could before. And it comes with better economic options.

Positive word of mouth about a country's goods can travel faster and further than before. As news reaches overseas, prospective customers want the product. The company potentially has a fresh reserve of buyers to draw from, increasing its profits.

It's an opportunity that companies can't afford to squander with rising costs and the growing demand for overseas goods. So, the reality is that companies can't solely rely on their home nations. But there are still several challenges keeping them from making the most out of these times. Capitalizing on the global market needs game localization.

HOW POPULAR ARE VIDEO GAMES?

However, how much demand is there for video games among global audiences? The popularity of video games is vast and growing each day. The statistics show that the gaming industry has a bright future.

As proof of the boon that globalization gives to the video game market, there are 3.2 billion video games and 1.17 billion played online. People have access to a sea of materials that can serve multiple demographics. Among them, the younger ones are especially fond of gaming.

The data shows that young people, arguably the most crucial demographic, are turning to video games as a hobby more than movies and TV. It shows that people between 18-24 years old are most likely to make a video game purchase. Furthermore, 81% of Gen Z and millennials are gamers. Many say the communal experience was a massive deciding factor for them.

In the wake of crises like the pandemic and other disasters, people have more stock in their personal lives and relationships. They want to spend more time with their loved ones, have fun, and forget about their troubles. And video games provide the best opportunity for that with their immersive experiences. It is reflected in e-sports, having 641 million in the market in 2021, and how the global gaming industry will hit 504.9 billion in 2030.

WHY ARE VIDEO GAMES SO POPULAR?

But you might wonder why video games have grown so much in pop culture that localization is such an issue. The advent of technology has brought video games to the zenith of their creativity and storytelling. We live in a golden age of gaming, where anyone of almost any age or background can get into the hobby.

With modern technology, the graphics and special effects of the games have never looked better. The creators can refine the details of their work to perfection. They create an immersive experience that makes the players get lost in the secondary world. As the great JRR Tolkien said, this is a critical component of the storytelling experience. It allows the player to escape the harsh reality, if only for a little bit. So they can recover from the next go.

Furthermore, our modern era couldn't be more perfect for this. Today, we face a daily bombardment of bad news from the media. And so naturally, any break from such torture would be welcome. Video games are especially ready to cater to everyone's needs with their multiple genres.

Video games come in many styles and genres for the player to enjoy. Everything from fantasy to sci-fi to slice-of-life and beyond is there. It takes the form of a single-player for those who want an adventure alone to the most spiraling multiplayer epic for an entire group.

Additionally, it's the group aspect of the hobby that gives video games their staying power. The culture around gaming continues to grow each day. The e-sports scene draws in millions of people who want to watch professional gamers test their skills against one another. And it is this magnetic element of gaming that demands increased localization efforts. So it can keep up with the ever-growing number of different languages of customers.

CONCLUSION

So, in conclusion, game localization is a critical service for the video game industry. It allows people of multiple languages to take advantage of globalization and get access to the best games. So companies can have higher profits to sustain themselves. But it also lets people connect with their loved ones and have fun, easing their minds during difficult times.