Video games have become a global phenomenon, with players from all over the world eager to experience the latest releases. However, to truly connect with players in different countries, video game developers need to ensure their games are localized accurately.
This is where a reliable and experienced localization agency comes into play. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to choose the right localization agency for your video game.
Look for a partner that specializes in video game localization
When it comes to video game localization, you want to work with a partner that has experience in this specific area. A localization agency that specializes in video game localization will have an in-depth understanding of the gaming industry and the nuances of localizing video games for different genres and platforms. They’ll have a team of linguists who are passionate about video games and understand the unique challenges involved in translating gaming content.
Why does this matter so much? Because game text is unlike any other content. It’s full of variables and placeholder tags that must never be broken, strings with strict character limits, dialogue that branches depending on player choices, and lines that arrive in a spreadsheet with no indication of who is speaking or where. A generalist translation agency — however competent with legal contracts or marketing brochures — can easily produce text that reads well on paper and falls apart inside the game. A specialist, on the other hand, knows to ask for context, to protect your tags and variables, and to keep an eye on how each line will behave on screen.
Check their language skills
Your chosen localization agency should have a team of professional linguists with strong language skills. They should be fluent in both the source and target languages and have a deep understanding of the cultures of the target countries. A localization partner who can provide you with a team of native-speaking linguists is crucial to ensure accurate translations and cultural adaptation.
The gold standard is simple: translators should work into their mother tongue. A native speaker of the target language instinctively hears when a line sounds stiff, dated, or unnatural — something even an excellent non-native speaker will occasionally miss. If you want to verify this before committing, ask for a short test translation of a representative sample of your game (some dialogue, some UI, some flavor text) and have a trusted native speaker review the result. How an agency handles that request tells you a lot by itself.
Consider their cultural knowledge
Video games often contain cultural references that may not be understood by players from different countries. A good localization partner should have a team of linguists who are familiar with the cultures of the target countries and can localize cultural references accurately. They should provide cultural consulting services to ensure that your game resonates with players from around the world.
Cultural knowledge shows up in the details: jokes and wordplay rebuilt rather than translated literally, idioms replaced with equivalents that actually exist in the target culture, character names checked for unfortunate double meanings, and references to gestures, symbols, or holidays adapted for each market. A culturally aware partner will also flag content that could be sensitive in a specific region before it becomes a problem, explain the issue, and let you decide how to handle it — rather than either censoring silently or ignoring the risk entirely.
Look for good communication skills
Communication is key when it comes to video game localization. You want to work with a partner that is responsive, reliable, and easy to communicate with. A good localization agency should respond to emails and messages promptly and provide regular updates on their progress. They should be transparent about their processes and willing to communicate with you throughout the localization process.
One practical thing to look for is how the agency handles questions about your text. Professional teams use a query sheet — a shared document where translators ask things like “is this character male or female?” or “does this string appear on a button or in dialogue?” — and a good partner will set this up from day one. Lots of thoughtful queries early in the project is a green flag, not a red one: it means the linguists are checking their assumptions instead of guessing. Silence until delivery day usually means the opposite.
Consider their rates
Video game localization can be expensive, especially if you’re targeting multiple languages. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, you may end up with poor quality localization that could harm your game’s reputation. Look for a localization partner that offers a fair price for their services and is transparent about their rates. They should be able to provide you with a detailed quote that outlines all the costs associated with the localization process.
Here’s a video of an indie game developer showcasing his revenue increase after localizing his video game:
What questions should you ask before signing?
A short call with a candidate agency will tell you more than any brochure. Here are questions worth asking every shortlisted partner:
- Are your translators native speakers of the target language, and do they play games themselves?
- Which game genres and platforms have you worked on, and how does that experience match my project?
- What does your quality process look like — is every text reviewed by a second linguist before delivery?
- How do you handle context: do you work from a localization kit, and how do you manage queries about ambiguous strings?
- How do you keep terminology consistent — do you build and maintain a glossary and style guide for my game?
- Can you test the localized build in-game (LQA), or only deliver translated files?
- What exactly does your quote include, and what would count as an extra?
- How do you handle post-launch updates, DLC, and new content?
Which red flags should make you walk away?
Just as important as the right answers are the wrong ones. Be cautious if an agency can’t tell you who will actually translate your game, promises every language pair under the sun with no visible specialization, never asks a single question about your game’s story, tone, or audience, or quotes a price dramatically below everyone else without explaining how. Reluctance to do a small paid test, or vagueness about whether a second linguist reviews the work, are equally telling. None of these guarantees disaster — but together they usually predict the kind of localization you’ll end up paying twice for: once to produce it, and once to fix it.
In conclusion, choosing the right localization partner for your video game is crucial for the success of your game. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of finding a localization partner that can help you create a game that resonates with players from around the world. At LCP Localizations, we understand the importance of video game localization and are committed to providing accurate and culturally relevant translations that connect with your target audience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of video game localization experts.