In today’s globalized world, game developers face the challenge of catering to diverse audiences with different languages and cultures. Language translation is crucial for any game developer who wants to reach a wider audience and expand their market share. In this article, we will explore the most popular languages that game developers should consider translating their games into in 2023. We will also provide insights into the latest trends and patterns that dominate the gaming industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Minimum game content to translate: description, keywords, and screenshots
- Top 10 recommended languages to localize your English game into: German, French, European Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Polish
- The fastest growing languages list starts with Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian, supplemented with Hindi, Tagalog, and Arabic.
- Translation into FIGS+PT+RU is the primary choice for Western game developers and publishers.
Which game elements should be localized?
Let’s talk about the parts of your game you could localize before getting into the specifics, since this will have a direct impact on your localization costs.
Localizing the user interface, in-game text, and audio are the most common elements that should be considered for localization. Additionally, cultural references, symbols, and idioms may also need to be adapted to resonate with the target audience.
As a result, the localization process for your game can be divided into three categories:
- basic localization, which includes app store information (description, keywords, screenshots),
- partial localization (in-game text and subtitles),
- full localization (including audio files).
Basic localization is the minimum requirement for any game to be released in a foreign market, while partial and full localization can greatly enhance the user experience and increase the chances of success in that market. It is important to carefully consider which level of localization is necessary based on the target audience and budget constraints.
How much will it cost to translate a video game in 2023?
The number of words in your game, the target languages, and the translation rates all affect how much localization will cost.
Depending on the language, translating video games into other languages will cost extra. Additionally, the complexity of the game’s content and the amount of text that needs to be translated can also impact the overall cost of localization. These may range from $0.06 to $0.15 for each word or character (for Chinese and Japanese). Typically, proofreading costs half as much as translation.
It is important to note that the pricing may also depend on the complexity of the text, the deadline, and the experience of the translator. Therefore, it is recommended to request a quote from a professional translation agency before committing to any service.
Average Game Translation Rates
| English to | Spanish: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | French: | $0.10 | – | $0.18 | USD | or | 7 | – | 13 | INR |
| English to | German: | $0.10 | – | $0.18 | USD | or | 7 | – | 13 | INR |
| English to | Italian: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Portuguese: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Russian: | $0.04 | – | $0.10 | USD | or | 3 | – | 7 | INR |
| English to | Japanese: | $0.12 | – | $0.25 | USD | or | 9 | – | 18 | INR |
| English to | Chinese: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Korean: | $0.10 | – | $0.20 | USD | or | 7 | – | 15 | INR |
| English to | Arabic: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Dutch: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Swedish: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Polish: | $0.05 | – | $0.10 | USD | or | 4 | – | 7 | INR |
| English to | Turkish: | $0.06 | – | $0.12 | USD | or | 5 | – | 9 | INR |
| English to | Norwegian: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
| English to | Danish: | $0.08 | – | $0.15 | USD | or | 6 | – | 11 | INR |
Questions to Consider When Requesting a Game Localization Quote
When requesting a game localization quote, there are several important questions to consider.
- What is the genre of my game, and how will I make money? Is it paid or free to play, supported by in-app purchases or advertising?
- How much monthly income do I anticipate having if the game switches to a P2P model? What markets have the financial wherewithal for those in-app purchases?
- Which platforms will I release my game on? Which languages are the most used on those platforms?
- In the targeted markets, who are my rivals? Whether they chose partial localization or full translation for their games is unknown.
- How well-versed in English are the markets I’m targeting? They make use of the Latin script, or are there no similarities between their languages and Latin?
Contact us for your next game localization project And Get a Quote
When requesting a quote, it’s important to provide as much information as possible about your project, including the source and target languages, word count, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have. By doing so, you’ll be able to get an accurate estimate of what your game’s localization will cost and ensure that you’re working with a reputable and experienced translation agency.
In which languages is it worthwhile to localize your game?
When it comes to game localization, it’s important to consider which languages will be most beneficial for your target audience. English is a given, but beyond that, it depends on your game’s genre and theme. For example, if you have a strategy game with historical references, it may be worth localizing it into languages such as German or French. If your game has a strong following in Asia, then Chinese or Japanese would be a good choice. It’s also important to consider the size of the market in each language and the potential return on investment.
In general, the most popular languages for game localization are Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, and Korean. However, keep in mind that there may be smaller markets that are still worth targeting, depending on your specific goals and audience. Ultimately, choosing the right languages for your game’s localization can greatly increase its reach and success in different regions of the world.
Top 10 Countries and Markets by Game Revenues in 2022 (Newzoo)
Therefore, by translating into all 10 languages, you’ll gain access to the markets that account for almost 80% of global game revenue. North America accounts for 20% of global game revenue, while Asia-Pacific contributes about 50%.
If your business relies on advertisements, it makes sense to think about localizing your game for the most populous gaming nations, such as China, India, Brazil, or Russia.
A Look at the Future of Game Translation
As the gaming industry continues to grow, it’s becoming increasingly important for developers to consider localization in order to maximize revenue. However, localization is not just about translating text; it also involves adapting graphics, audio, and cultural references to suit the target audience. As technology advances, we can expect to see more sophisticated translation tools that can handle these nuances more effectively.
Additionally, the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality could open up new opportunities for game developers to create immersive experiences that transcend language barriers. Ultimately, investing in Game localization Services is a smart move for any game developer looking to expand their reach and increase revenue in today’s global market.
BeyondWordz localize mobile, desktop, console, browser, and board games into 100+ Indian and foreign languages. Contact us for your next game localization project ? we can’t wait to hear from you!