The Striking Similarities Between Software And Game Translation
Game translation deals with the translation of the gaming content, including its menu, pop-ups, inbox dialogues, disclaimers, story narration, and every text. Software translation is no different. The translation of the software includes its main features, menu, and text placement throughout the software. Translators must take the original content and translate it into the target language. Both processes share great similarities as both are digital products and are developed for global audiences. To address the requirements of global audiences and resonate with their needs, providing them with content in their native language is crucial.
The gaming industry has become a billion-dollar industry. It witnessed a significant boost and rose post-pandemic COVID-19. As per the statistics, 75% of the houses in the USA only have at least one gamer. Mobile gaming revenue was witnessed to be around $77.2 billion in 2020, which was a 13.3% increase overall after decades. These statistics clearly emphasize that game translation services should reach more diverse audiences. As stats suggest, the software developers are set to reach 28.7 million by the end of the current year. This has been recorded as a rise of 3.2 million in 4 years. Moreover, as experts anticipate, software development is projected to be around 1039 million by 2027 with a $22.54$ CAGR from 2020 to 2027.
Similarities Between Software And Game Translation
Considering the growing demand for software and games, the need for their translation is also increasing. This read talks about the similarities between software and game translation.
Terminology
Technical terminology and software translation are part of the game. The translators need to have a strong grasp of the technical terminology related to the software and games they translate. They have to deal with the programming language, user interface, and industry-specific jargon, which are similar in both niches, and it can be easy for translators to work on translation on both simultaneously.
Accuracy and consistency
Accuracy and consistency are the demands of businesses dealing with software and games. Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the translations of software and games can become a reason for ineffective and below-average distribution processes, and both products can face dejection due to errors and mistakes. Technical inconsistencies are particularly imperative in the process. These can lead to confusion and cause frustration for the users and players.
Localization
Other than the translation process, localization is also inevitable for the games and software, as without localizing the products, no one can tap the new market. The process is also somewhat similar for the game and software. However, it is important to mention that you should always choose a professional software localization company to create localized software or apps, as they have the tools, technologies, and resources to deliver quality results.
Cultural Adaptation
The localization process goes beyond translation. It deals with adapting and modifying every feature and component of the games and software. Both products require these services and content adaptation to resonate with the target audience’s culture.
This includes adapting humor, cultural references, and all the images and graphics that are part of the software and games. It also involves the language nuances and dialects common in the region, along with culturally appropriate language and symbolism. Moreover, the currency unit, formatting of the dates, and measurement units for the target region are also part of the localization and are similar in both games and software.
User Interface
The games and software both work behind a user interface. This interface also needs to be according to the cultural practices of the target region to provide the user with the experience of a lifetime. Clarity and readability are particularly important in localizing games and software. The translated text needs to be clear and concise. Also, it should be precise enough to fit seamlessly into the UI layout. Adjusting sentence length and considering character count and limitations are also part of the process.
Testing and Review
Testing the games and software post-completion is a revolutionary step for seamless localization. The translated text should be sent to the native speakers and linguists for a proper scan. There should be no awkward phrasing or cultural violation which can affect the user experience at any stage. This can affect the user experience, disappointing him and pushing him away never to revert.
Precise display of common features of the games and software translation
Features | Game translation services | Software translation services |
Technical expertise | Talks about game mechanics, engine terminology | Addresses programming language & software features |
Accuracy and consistency | Deals with gameplay mechanics and user instructions | Crucial for the functionality of software & user experience |
Localization | Adapting humor, cultural elements | Adaption of date/measurement formats and cultural references |
UI focus | Clarity, readability, and fitting text | Clarity, readability, and testing for a smooth user experience |
Conclusion
Game and software translation have most of the things in common. These work with a particular user interface, which is similar in both cases. Moreover, the technical expertise, including terminology, accuracy, and consistency with the localization and cultural adaptation, also get alike in the translation process for games and software.