Trying to reach new markets and expand your fan base without a solid game localization strategy is close to impossible. If you are an indie game developer, you may be trying to decide a strategy or an approach that’s more specific to your game and your necessities, but how can you do that exactly? Don’t worry, in this blog we are going to break down the different layers of localization and common practices based on game genre, so that you’ll be able to choose the best indie game localization strategy for your specific situation.
What is the “Perfect Localization”
Localization isn’t one-size-fits-all; it looks different for every game. There’s no ‘perfect localization,’ only the right one for each project. Think of game localization as more than a straightforward process, but rather a series of layers, steps, and practices. Some might think that ticking all the boxes guarantees perfect localization. And while it is true that each layer can add depth to your game’s adaptation, a full localization doesn’t always mean a better one. So really, in the end, the best game localization strategy for your indie game is the one that works best for you.
Minimal Localization
The reason this blog is called ‘Indie Game Localization Strategies’ is because indie devs often struggle with localization due to tighter budgets. If that sounds familiar, why not consider minimal localization?
Minimal localization is about covering the basics to make your game accessible at base level without diving into a full-scale localization. This might mean translating key UI elements, instructions, or essential text that helps players understand and enjoy the game in their language. It’s a budget-friendly way to reach new audiences, especially for indie devs, and gives you a chance to test the waters in new markets.
Pros
Minimal localization is a great way to test the waters. It’s a small but valuable step that can still make your game accessible to different audiences at base level while staying budget-friendly. On top of that, this approach lets you gauge interest in the new markets you’ve localized for and leaves the door open for more localization down the line if the demand is there.
Cons
On the downside, minimal localization might not provide players with a fully immersive experience. Since it only covers the basics, it can leave some players feeling disconnected, especially in story-driven or text-heavy games. This can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of immersion. So, while minimal localization is budget-friendly, it might limit your game’s overall impact in new regions.
Most Suited Games for Minimal Localization
Minimal localization works best for genres that don’t rely heavily on narrative or complex text. Games like puzzle, strategy, or arcade games are great candidates since they often focus more on gameplay mechanics than storytelling. For these genres, covering basic UI, instructions, and essential text is usually enough to make the game accessible to new players without losing the core experience. Minimal localization lets you reach wider audiences without the heavy lift of adapting lengthy dialogue or detailed lore.
Medium Localization
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics but aren’t quite looking for a full-scale localization, medium localization could be a good fit. This approach involves localizing key parts of the game while still managing costs. Typically, it includes subtitles, translating UI elements, in-game instructions, and important dialogue or story components, which helps create a more immersive experience without committing to a fully localized game.
Pros
Medium localization provides a balance between accessibility and immersion. By localizing not just the basics but also core elements like dialogue or story highlights, you can create a richer experience that resonates more with players in new regions. This approach helps your game feel more adapted and relatable without requiring the investment of a full localization. For story-driven or character-centric games, medium localization can be a cost-effective way to give players a deeper connection to your game.
Cons
While medium localization enhances the player experience, it may still fall short for genres with a rich narrative. This might mean less emotional engagement, especially in highly story-driven games. This can leave some gaps in immersion, so medium localization might work best for games where a deep adaptation isn’t critical. On top of that, while it still is a cheaper option than full localization, for some developers it still might be too much.
Most Suited Games for Medium Localization
Medium localization is a good fit for genres with moderate story elements or character interactions. Games like adventure games, sports games or certain strategy titles often benefit from this approach, as it brings key dialogue and story elements into players’ languages, creating a deeper connection while still focusing on gameplay. This game localization strategy is a great way to reach and test new markets on a relatively small budget.
Full Localization
For indie developers aiming to maximize reach and provide a fully immersive experience, a full localization approach is the ideal game localization strategy. Full localization goes beyond translating basic text and UI elements, covering every aspect of the game, teleporting players in a fully immersive story. This approach is the most suited when trying to build a connection between players and the game. This is a powerful strategy for genres that rely heavily on storytelling and atmosphere.
Pros
Full localization creates the most authentic experience for players in new regions, making your game feel native to each target audience. By adapting every element, from nuanced dialogue to culturally relevant imagery, full localization allows you to reach players on a deeper level. For story-driven genres or games with extensive world-building, this indie game localization strategy is often the most effective way to foster strong engagement and loyalty.
Cons
The downside of full localization is that it can be quite expensive, requiring more time and budget to handle the detailed work of adapting all these aspects. For indie developers, the costs of full localization might be harder to manage, especially for smaller projects or games with a narrow initial scope.
Most Suited Games for Full Localization
Full localization is best suited for genres that prioritize storytelling, rich world-building, or immersive character interactions. RPGs, visual novels, and adventure games are the most suited games for this game localization strategy, as these genres often rely on deep emotional and cultural connections with players. For these games, full localization not only enhances immersion but also strengthens the overall impact and appeal across different regions.
Your Own Indie Game Localization Strategy
These layers of localization are generally the main approaches game developers usually choose based on different factors, such as budget, market demand and game type. Ultimately the best localization strategy for your indie game is the one that suits your personal needs, necessities and capabilities, that’s why choosing a localization partner with flexible and scalable solutions is key, especially for smaller studios who may need a more personalized approach. A common indie game localization strategy is to tackle these three levels of localization one at a time, starting small and adding more as the game gains success and demand. Many start with minimal localization, then move to medium, and eventually, if the game is popular enough, go for full localization. While this particular strategy is not as optimal as planning and integrating localization as early as possible, it’s still a viable option for smaller studios. This step-by-step approach helps you manage costs and allows you to see how well your game is received in new markets before committing to the next level. Hopefully you found this blog helpful, and remember, the perfect indie game localization strategy is the one that fits you!