So, you want to localize your game? Good, but whether you are a small indie or part of a larger studio there are some things that you can do to make the process significantly smoother and less expensive . In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the best game localization practices that will simply make both your and your localization provider’s life much easier. Stick around!
Don’t Embed Text in Your Code
Bit of a captain obvious thing here, we know, but trust us, is important. While it might seem easier at first, putting your game’s text directly in your source files can create a whole list of issues later on. Instead, it’s best to store your text separately in a dedicated text database or external files.
Why Keep Text Separate?
Storing text externally means that when you need to update or translate content, you don’t have to wade through lines of code. This separation simplifies the localization process and reduces the chance of introducing bugs.
Are There Specific File Formats That are Recommended?
Yes, glad you asked. The preferred formats for localization include XLSX, XLIFF, JSON, and Google Sheets. These formats offer flexibility, allow you to incorporate key information like comments and screenshots and are easy to integrate in translation tools. formats like CSV, PO, and XML are also good, but they are less ideal. Don’t worry though, there’s nothing we can’t handle!
How Far Into the Development Process Should You Start?
Start as early as you possibly can in the development process. While you can add a text database later, doing so mid-development often means retrofitting your workflows, rewriting significant parts of your code, and ensuring the new system works with your current setup. Early collaboration with your localization team can help mitigate these issues and lead to smoother transitions later on.
Avoid Embedding Text in Graphics
If your game includes banners, menus, or UI elements with text baked into the images, each language version will require a separate set of graphics—driving up costs and production time.
The Smarter Approach: Dynamic Text Layers
Instead of embedding text, use dynamic text layers. This method allows the game to display localized text dynamically, pulling it from an external database. For example, rather than creating a separate “Start Game” button for every language, use a transparent button with text that changes based on the player’s language settings. This saves time and ensures consistency across different regions.
Why is This a Good Game Localization Practice?
– Cost and time savings – No need to manually edit and export multiple versions of the same graphic.
– Easier updates – If you need to adjust a translation, you won’t have to redo an entire image.
– Better scalability – Supports additional languages without extra design work.
Planning for dynamic text from the beginning simplifies the localization process and ensures your game is visually consistent across languages, making it one of the best game localization practices for your game.
Conduct Market Research Before Localizing
Market research helps identify the best regions for your game and ensures that localization efforts focus on the most relevant markets.
How Market Research Improves Localization
Different regions have different gaming preferences, habits etc. What works in one country might not resonate in another. Researching target markets allows you to choose the right languages and prioritize localization efforts for regions where your game has the highest potential. With this approach you can boost your potential ROI, and avoid spending money on markets that don’t hold any potential return for your game.
If you are looking to make the most out of your localization, market research should be your priority, which is why it made our list!
Provide a Comprehensive Localization Kit
One of the best game localization practices is to develop and provide a comprehensive and clear localization kit to your provider. It provides translators with all the context they need to accurately adapt your game’s text while preserving its tone and intent.
What Should Be Included in a Localization Kit?
A well-prepared localization kit should contain:
- Screenshots and Videos – Help translators understand the game’s context.
- Character Descriptions – Provide details about personalities, relationships, and backstories.
- Gameplay Mechanics Overview – Explain how different elements interact within the game.
The more information translators have, the fewer questions they need to ask—speeding up the process and improving the final quality. Your job doesn’t end there however, which leads into the next point.
Maintain Open Communication with Your Localization Provider
Even with the best preparation, localization is a collaborative process. Keeping an open line of communication with your localization team ensures that potential issues are addressed early and that the translations align with your vision. Game text often includes technical jargon, idioms, or wordplay that doesn’t directly translate into other languages. Without proper context, translators may misinterpret key phrases, leading to localization errors that could negatively impact gameplay. A question from a translator shouldn’t take 3 business days for an answer, which is why maintaining efficient communication channels made our list of the best game localization practices for game devs.
Conclusion
These are only some of the best practices for game localization, but they can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your game’s localization process. The more effort you put into planning, the fewer headaches you’ll face down the road. Whether you’re an indie developer or a larger studio, applying these practices will help your game reach a global audience while maintaining its original charm and appeal.