As opposed to being perceived as simple translation of software specifications or websites into the local language of the target market segment, Software Localization involves a series of tasks carried out by a team of qualified experts. The tasks include carefully scrutinizing the software project and choosing the most suitable tools for carrying out localization, analyzing the cultural, technical and linguistic aspects of the project, compiling a comprehensive list of terms and terminologies involved, executing the translation from source language to target language, redesigning the different aspects of the user-interface to suit the requirements of the end-user, adapting media related aspects such as graphics, scripts etc as per the local market and finally compiling and testing the localized software created in order to deduce its effectiveness prior to final delivery. Across the world, software manufacturers are transcending political, social, economic, cultural and linguistic barriers to present their software packages to a global audience. To achieve success in their endeavors, they undoubtedly require to seeking the services of professional translation and localization service providers, who actualize the process effectively.
Akin to the above process of software localization, localization of video games is also a growing trend in the current era of globalization. When a game from a particular country needs to be introduced in another country, a series of systematic measures need to be taken to translate, modify and localize the gaming software in order to make it appealing and popular to the target clientele in the target country or state. The process involves overcoming a number of linguistic, cultural, hardware, software and legal differences between different countries. A Games Localization expert needs to transcend all these barriers and make necessary changes in a way that the originality and feel of the game is maintained, but it is appealing to the target audience. To cite an example, the graphics and music could be altered and adapted to suit the culture and emotions of the local community, national trends or major fan communities in the given geographical area. Another vital aspect to be covered during localization includes the use of Semiotics that is the study of signs and sign processes, indications, designations, metaphors, symbolism, likeness and analogy. Software and hardware changes could include remapping of hot keys, changing between PAL and NTSC and game play modifications.
Some important aspects to be kept in mind for error-free and effective software and games localization include ensuring that the length of the translated text in relation to the design of the software is kept in mind thereby eliminating the need for redesigning the software for the new language, saving time and money, ensuring that characteristic elements of localization such as date format, address format, calendar format etc are kept in mind, using simple, concise terms and terminologies native to the specific region and ensuring that the translation of instructions and commands are accurate and clear to the end user. To sum up, software and games localization is the need of the day in the current global scenario, and effective localization procedures are the key differentiators between success and failure in the software and games industry.
