Game localization

The cost of translation depends on:

• the volume of text to be localized (number of characters including spaces). Only the text to be translated is billed, exclusive of markup and code.
• the number of hours spent on localization testing (LQA). We strongly recommend LQA, as it ensures the highest possible quality of localization.

Translation cost varies by language. This is due to different standards of living in the native-speaking translators' countries of residence. You can calculate the approximate cost of localization for your app or game on your own using our price list.

But it's best to submit a pre-order and attach your files. That way we can calculate the cost ourselves, charging for nothing but the text.

Using online platforms lets us structure the game localization process in such a way that when an app is released it is always fully translated — continuously, at any time. This works approximately as follows:

1. The developer adds a new string to the game's resources.
2. The updated resource file is automatically sent to the localization platform (via API or using a command-line utility). The translator immediately sees the new text.
3. The translator translates the new string.
4. Before releasing the latest build, the updated translations are collected from the platform - again, automatically.
5. In this way each time the game is compiled all localizations are 100% ready, and the update is never delayed.

If your game contains only a little text or if you plan to localize it yourself, take a look at Nitro - a professional online translation service. You can place an order with Nitro in just a few clicks, any time that's convenient, without involving a manager.

Nitro's service is designed for swift translation of text into multiple languages simultaneously. It is especially convenient for translating sales descriptions for stores, "What's new" texts, and updated strings into several languages at once.

To ensure uniformity of all the translated texts, use a glossary. With Nitro you can create a new glossary or upload an existing one, which is particularly convenient if you are ordering a translation of updates for a previously localized project. To upload your glossary to Nitro, write to us via online chat.

Quality assurance testing takes place as follows:

Once a localized build has been compiled, the translator or native-speaking tester plays the game for the required amount of time and takes screenshots of problem areas (things left untranslated or lines that are too long, improper coding, incorrect text orientation, contextual errors, etc.).

In the developer's project management system (Jira, Trello, Asana) the tester creates a record of all the defects detected and makes the necessary changes to the string resources, either independently or with the help of the developer.

The cost of localization testing is calculated based on the tester's hourly rate and the time required for testing.

We are able to test games created for the following platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Xbox, PlayStation (PS3, PS4), and Nintendo (3DS).

A translation memory is a database that stores both the original and the translation of each segment of text. A translation memory can automatically translate repeated words, phrases, and sentences.

Translation memory lets you:

• streamline translation teamwork;
• ensure uniformity of terms throughout the text;
• improve translation quality;
• replace a translator during a project;
• save on translating repeated phrases.

This means that if your game is available on both iOS and Android, for example, and 90% of the string resources are identical, the matching strings are translated automatically and cost you nothing.

A glossary is a special dictionary with explanations, translations, and sample uses of terms encountered in the text. This kind of dictionary can be imported to an automated translation program, so as to speed up the work and ensure that specialized terms are translated uniformly throughout the text or in all files for translation.

Having a glossary lets you involve multiple translators in the project and switch them out during the course of the work.

If your game does not have a glossary yet, we can help compile one.

The cloud platform CrowdIn lets you manage localization projects in real time. You can:

• upload string resources in any format (.resx, .po, .strings, etc.), either manually or via API;
• appoint translators and editors;
• track the translation or editing process of your project online;
• communicate with translators and editors in the comments as questions arise;
• create glossaries;
• organize translation memory creation and usage;
• export string resources after translation.

Learn more about Alconost's experience working with CrowdIn.

We've analyzed the number of internet users who speak each language, online sales volumes overall, and Google Play revenue in particular for each region. This resulted in the following top 5 languages for localization:

• English — USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia;
• Chinese — China (simplified Chinese) and Taiwan (traditional Chinese);
• Japanese — Japan;
• French — French, Canada, Belgium;
• German — Germany and Belgium.

In addition to localizing mobile apps, we can also help you:

• evaluate your game's name from a native speaker's perspective;
• create a trailer for your app's page on the App Store or Google Play;
• put together a series of short videos in different languages for posting on advertising networks;
• provide voice-over for your game with the help of professional, native-speaking voice talent;
• select fonts for new languages.

How to Prepare a Game for Localization? 10 Basic Rules

Best Languages for Game Localization

Case study: How Narcade launches mobile games in Europe and Asia

How indie developers from Russia make games for Google Play and social networks

Is It a Good Idea to Localize an Indie Game?