You’d be surprised to know that some video games have been localized so well that they’ve turned into cultural phenomena in other countries, like the “Super Mario Bros.” franchise in Japan, where it became a major part of pop culture.
“Minecraft,” the best-selling video game of all time, has also been localized into over 100 languages, showing how crucial effective localization is to global success.
Expanding your video game into new markets requires more than simple translation—it demands a nuanced approach to video game localization. A best-performing video game localization company ensures your game is not just understood but cherished by players worldwide.
This process involves adapting dialogue, graphics, and even game mechanics to align with regional tastes and cultural norms. By partnering with the best in the industry, you can enhance player engagement, boost downloads, and increase your game’s global success.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top five video game localization companies that can help you achieve these goals seamlessly.
1. Linguidoor
Linguidoor, a Berlin-based video game localization company, excels in delivering comprehensive language solutions for the gaming industry. We offer an extensive range of services including document translation, software and app localization, voice-over, subtitling, and content creation in over 65 languages.
The expertise of our video game localization agency extends to game translation, ensuring that your video games resonate with players worldwide across Asia, Europe, and North America. With a presence in 22 countries, we provide specialized localization services to help you capture new markets and build a strong international presence. Linguidoor bridges language gaps, enhancing your global gaming appeal.
2. Localsoft Games
Located in Spain, Localsoft Games specializes solely in game localization, providing translation, subtitling, dubbing, and QA testing services. Localsoft Games is well-equipped for mid- to large-scale projects, with experience across major gaming platforms and a history of localizing both classic and popular games.
However, businesses should note that this specialized focus means they may need to seek additional resources for other translation needs, such as website localization, outside of Localsoft Games’ expertise.
3. Alconost
Alconost, with nearly 20 years of experience, operates offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, specializing in translations for various languages. Their comprehensive content localization services for apps and games extend beyond translation to include video production and voice-over work.
Additionally, Alconost has created a platform tailored for developers: GitLocalize, which simplifies project localization on GitHub. However, users not familiar with GitHub or other stakeholders might encounter a learning curve.
4. GameScribes
Since 2009, GameScribes is the best-quality game translation company, offering services such as translation, testing, voice-over, dubbing, graphic design, and game writing. The company utilizes proprietary software, including a project management portal and a CAT (computer-assisted translation) tool, to enhance the localization process.
While these tools can improve translation quality, prospective clients should thoroughly compare GameScribes’ software capabilities with other localization solutions to make an informed decision.
5. Transzlate.com
Operating out of Berlin, Germany, Transzlate has been a key player among the leading game localization companies for a decade. They provide Game Translation, Localization, Familiarization, LQA, voice-over, and desktop publishing services. Their inhouse Game Localization expert helps you finind the best solution for your Video Games.
The Inhouse TMS of Transzlate offers useful features for game developers, including translation memory, glossary support, and version control, along with various extensions and integrations, including those with separate CAT tools. However, for large-scale translation projects or rapid scaling, a comprehensive TMS and CAT tool like Smartling might be more suitable.
Endnote
Game localization is a specialized area within the broader field of localization, and achieving optimal translation ROI requires adherence to best practices that apply universally.
When partnering with a video game localization company, it’s essential to ask key questions to ensure they possess the expertise needed to deliver translations that allow players to fully engage with your game. Beyond the game itself, remember that other materials—such as your website, promotional content, manuals, and support materials—also require localization.
LinguiDoor’s advanced TMS excels not only in game localization but also supports diverse content needs, including marketing, software, and customer support. Our platform ensures consistency, efficiency, and timely delivery across all your localization projects.
