Would it be accurate to guess that you are probably reading this on a phone? Well, even if you are not, we could guess that you’ve probably used it at least once in the last 5 minutes. With phones being basically an extension of our body at this point – kind of sad if you ask – the mobile industry has been growing massively from year to year, and consequently has the mobile gaming industry. If you are a mobile game developer and you are thinking about developing a game a good idea might be to look into game localization, but first, let us stop you there. Before blindly jumping into localization ask this: what are the best languages for mobile game localization in 2024?
Glad you asked, let’s jump right in
Industry Overview
The mobile gaming industry has been growing at a steady pace and is expected to keep expanding over the next decade. In 2023, it was worth about $212 billion, and by 2032, that number could reach a staggering $775 billion. Though this phenomenon has been worldwide, the Asia-Pacific market has been in the driver seat.
Influencing Factors
Factors that play a significant role in the industry are a few and vary from market to market. Let’s take a look.
Platform
An analysis on the best languages for mobile game localization would not be a 100% without considering other factors like market share. Market share varies significantly depending on the platform on which your game is released. Android gets the biggest piece of the cake, and it’s also the fastest growing platform when it comes to mobile gaming, followed by iOS and others.
Game Monetization Model
Mobile games are quite different from their console counterparts. Mobile games can either be free-to-play or they can require some kind of purchase or fee to access the game. Most of the games you see nowadays in app stores are free-to-play. Free-to-play games make money either through an in-game ads model or an in-app purchase model. The type of monetization model that you choose for your game, will significantly impact your localization strategy.
Game Genre
Game genre can also be a factor that will impact your strategy. There are many game genres, some may have a wider audience, some may be over-represented and others can cater to more niche markets. For example, in Japan, as of July 2024, the most played game genre is puzzle games.
What You Need to Consider Before Localization
By now if you’ve read some of our blogs, or even if you are familiar with game localization, you know the endless benefits it can bring your way. However, it is crucial to understand the markets that you are targeting, or all your efforts could turn out useless. To avoid that, conduct market research, it will save you time and money in the long run.
Now enough talking, let’s look at what are the most popular markets for mobile game localization in 2024!
What Are the Best Languages To Target for Mobile Game Localization
English
With the US dominating the gaming market across multiple platforms, English remains one of the best languages to target if you are looking to expand your reach. The US makes up one of the biggest markets worldwide for gaming in general. When it comes to mobile gaming, the US has about 4B downloads on Google Play, and around 3.5B on the App Store. Despite the higher download numbers on the App Store, iOS users typically generate more revenue through in-app purchases, which is also the most common monetization model. Localizing into English, will also enable you to target the Canadian market, which makes the list for the top 10 countries by revenue, both on Google Play and the App Store.
Brazilian Portuguese
The Brazilian market has been growing relentlessly for years, with no signs of slowing down. As of 2024, Google Play typically leads in total downloads, reflecting the country’s preference for Android devices. When it comes to revenue the picture doesn’t change much, with Google Play still on top at around $0.63B.
Japanese
At first sight Japan might not seem like a valuable market, but in reality, generates around $5B on Google Play and $6B on the App Store. Not bad for such a small country.
German
Germany has a well-established gaming culture, with mobile games playing a significant role in the market. In 2024, the German mobile gaming industry is expected to generate around $1.8 billion in revenue, with Android dominating in terms of downloads. However, iOS users still contribute a significant portion of revenue, particularly through in-app purchases. With such strong market potential and widespread smartphone use, localizing into German will give you access to one of Europe’s largest gaming markets.
Italian
Italy’s mobile gaming market may not be as globally recognized as some of its neighbors, but it has been steadily growing. As of 2024, Italy’s mobile gaming market generates close to $800 million in revenue, with Android leading in downloads. iOS, however, remains crucial when it comes to in-app spending. Given the rapid expansion of mobile gaming in Italy, localizing into Italian is a smart move to capture a growing share of this promising market.
French
France continues to be a highly competitive mobile gaming market in 2024, generating approximately $2 billion in revenue. While both Android and iOS are popular platforms, iOS users contribute more heavily through in-app purchases. Localizing your game into French can also provide opportunities in other French-speaking regions such as Canada, Belgium, and parts of Africa. With France’s robust mobile gaming landscape and widespread smartphone penetration, targeting the French language can offer significant returns.
Honorable Mentions: Asia-Pacific
Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are emerging as hotbeds for mobile gaming growth. Indonesia, in particular, has seen rapid increases in downloads, thanks to a young population and a rising middle class. Vietnam is also on the rise, with a growing number of gamers and increasing investment in local game development. The Philippines boasts a strong community of mobile gamers, driven by social and casual gaming trends. As smartphone penetration and internet access improve across the region, these markets are expected to contribute significantly to the overall growth of the Asia-Pacific gaming landscape.
Conclusion
While targeting the most popular languages for mobile game localization is a great starting point, it’s important to remember that language is just one piece of the puzzle. Cultural nuances, platform preferences, and evolving market trends should also shape your strategy. By thoroughly understanding each market and adapting your approach accordingly, you’ll be better positioned to reach and engage players on a deeper level in 2024 and beyond.