Software localization and game translation

At Alconost Translations translation and copywriting agency, we have been involved with the localization and internationalization of software and computer games for over five years. Our clients include software and game development companies, regional distributors and software and services exporters.

We specialize in software translation both from and into Russian and English. We work with specialists around the world, including in Russia and the CIS, and provide the highest-quality localization services at reasonable prices.

• Quotes for software localization and game localization
• Methods of payment for software translation services
• What is application internationalization?
• What is software localization?
• "Russification" (translation and cultural adaption) of software and games
• String length problems in translating programs
• The localization process
• Localization of applications written in different programming languages and on different platforms
• Program localization and testing
• MSDN wordbanks, translation memory, Microsoft localization guidelines
• Examples of software localized by us
• Client feedback regarding software translation services

Order software localization and game translation

Please complete the form below and click "Send". We will contact you within an hour to discuss the details and offer you a rate.

Quotes for software localization and game localization and methods of payment

Prices for translation of program interfaces start at $0.11 per source word (dependent upon the language). Quotes are offered free of charge.

We also offer discounts.

Payment methods

You can pay for services through the following methods:

• Visa, Mastercard and other credit cards
• PayPal
• Wire transfer
• Moneybookers
• Webmoney
• Yandex.Money
• v-to-v RegNow, RegSoft, Plimus, ShareIt
• Other methods — write us and we can discuss them

What is application internationalization?

Internationalization (sometimes abbreviated to "il8n") is a coordination of actions in the development process that makes the localization of the software that follows much simpler. Internationalization often entails either using of a single system of text encoding in the program that is capable of displaying all the symbols of local alphabets (such as Unicode, utf8), or implementing a mechanism for switching between systems of text encoding according to the location of the user (country-language pairing).

In a correctly internationalized application all the text, sound and graphic data will be transferred to resource packages (so-called "localization kits"), separate from the main application (or game). Time, number and currency display formats, file path separators, writing direction (right to left, top to bottom, etc.), traditional number systems, order of alphabetical sorting and average word length are some of the most important nuances that are taken into account in the software internationalization process.

What is software localization?

To localize (localization is sometimes abbreviated to "l10n") is to adapt and translate software for use in a particular country or region (for example, Russification).

In addition to translating the string elements of a program (user interface translation), localization involves the adaptation of images, spoken messages, documentation, help files, licensing agreements and promotional material. A well localized application works correctly with the accepted standards and units of measurement in the region in question (text encoding, currency, time and telephone number format, paper size, order of alphabetical sorting, writing direction, etc.) Localization guarantees that the characters, captions, and graphical and musical elements used in your application will be acceptable to your target audience, and will take all linguistic and cultural particularities into account.

Localization is a process that involves two parties: translators and developers.

"Russification" (translation and cultural adaptation) of software and games

Amongst the orders for application localization we receive, we frequently receive requests specifically for "Russification" of programs and games — translation of programs into Russian, taking the particularities of Russian culture into account. Collaboration with professional translator-localizers from Russia and the CIS enables us to maintain a very high standard in software Russification.

String length problems in translating programs

Very often, as an example, translating programs from English to German or English to Russian makes the text longer by an average of 30%. To avoid this becoming an issue in the translation of program interfaces, extra space should be left below captions in the development process. On the localization specialist's part, they will endeavour to find the shortest possible translation, or use abbreviations. It is also important to bear text encoding and writing direction rules in mind: text is written from left to right in most Western languages, right to left in Arabic and Hebrew, top to bottom in Japanese.

The localization process

Software translation work essentially begins by learning about the client's requirements, becoming familiar with the material and evaluating of the length, nature and cost of the assignment. Material for translation is accepted in practically any format: .rc, .resx, .ini, .po, text files, etc. — the agency has all the necessary tools and experience to handle the technical aspects. We can also translate directly from .exe files if necessary.

Translators then work on translating the string elements, testing the application as they go, if the program has a built-in function to switch between languages. If there is no such function, then once these elements have been translated the developer will provide the translator with a trial build for testing. The translator always remains in direct contact with the client and brings any problematic areas to their attention.

On completion of the main localization work, as a matter of course we will help with the translation of any small "forgotten" fragments and with translations of new versions of the program.

Localization of applications written in different programming languages and on different platforms

We are able to perform localization of applications written in С++, C# (localization c#) , ASP.NET (asp.net localization), Java, Delphi, and other languages. Data formats that we are often required to work with include .rc, .resx, .ini, .po, .properties, .xml (xml localization), .html. We can also perform database localization (we work with SQL).

Program localization and testing

In the localization process, application translations are tested on the relevant local versions of operating systems. Program testing reveals problems with string length, size of control elements, text encoding and context errors in the translation. If the translator cannot resolve the problem themselves, we will provide the developer with a report containing relevant screenshots and recommendations for modification.

MSDN wordbanks, translation memory, Microsoft localization guidelines

In translating applications, we make use of the Microsoft localization recommendations and terminology databases. To ensure consistency in terminology, terminology dictionaries (glossaries) are created, which can be applied to new versions of the software in the future.

Examples of software localized by us

• A series of applications from Ventafax - send and receive faxes, use caller-ID and voicemail services with only your normal PC and modem at hand. Thanks to us, the series is now available in English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.
• Natalie Brook, Secrets of Treasure House, mobile version (game). Find out the secrets that the ancient estate of Natalie Brooks is hiding, and snatch it from the clutches of the city authorities. The unusual storyline, superb graphics and gripping atmosphere will transform your mobile screen into a tool to perform realistic detective investigations. Our contribution: the particular charm with which Natalie speaks French.
• The small, but incredibly useful in certain situations SMS Send 2008, which allows you to send an unlimited number of personal SMS messages in a matter of minutes: Happy Holidays messages, information about price changes or new products and services and whatever else. The English interface for this program is the work of our translators.
• A handy and reliable tool for automatically backing up critical information — APBackup was localized by us in Spanish, German and French.
• TimeToPhoto enables you to quickly and simply mark the datestamp and any other information on your photos. It was localized by us in Spanish, German and French.

Client feedback regarding software localization services

• "We have used Alconost Translations since 2006, for translation of product descriptions and PAD files, and website localization. One of the company’s major pluses is their individual approach. Also worthy of mention are their discount system, different tariffs and large range of languages offered for translation. Orders are completed on time to a high quality."
  — Dmitrii Bulavin, MyPlayCity
• "I was very happy with the quality and speed with which they handled my order. Despite the large amound of data I required translating, everything was completed quickly and in an excellent way. Thanks to this quality, Alconost Translations can count on a long-term partnership with Oront Software."
  — Valerii Kukusta, Oront Software
• "I was impressed by the teamwork of the Alconost Translations team, my order was handled in a matter of minutes, the translator set to work straight away, and as a result I received a high-quality translation of my website. I was especially pleased with their attention to detail, professionalism and speed!"
  — Valerii, ArtCradle