When a classic game is remade, there’s often a temptation to preserve every pixel, line, and sound exactly as they were. After all, nostalgia sells. But what happens when those once-beloved lines no longer land the way they used to, or worse, feel awkward, outdated, or offensive?
This is one of the many challenges faced by localization teams today. Their work lies at the intersection of two powerful forces: the weight of a game’s legacy and the shifting expectations of modern players. Behind every localization decision, therefore, lies a strategic effort to shape an experience that feels both respectful of the past and attuned to the present.
The Tension Between Accuracy and Adaptation
When localizing content written decades ago, it’s natural to encounter elements that feel out of sync with today’s audiences. As the evolution of Persona 5 Royal demonstrated, the localizer’s challenge lies in deciding which parts to preserve and which deserve a second look, based on how well they hold up against modern linguistic standards, cultural expectations, and player accessibility.
- Staying Loyal Doesn’t Mean Remaining Unchanged
For many fans, the charm of a classic game lies in its original writing, even when that writing feels clunky or unusual by modern standards. Iconic lines can become part of a game’s legacy, and preserving them helps maintain a sense of familiarity. But there’s a fine line. Too much fidelity can limit accessibility or cause confusion, especially for players in new markets. Nostalgia matters, but clarity, consistency and cultural sensitivity are key to making the remake resonate across regions.
- Updating Language for Clarity or Relevance
Language evolves. Terms that once felt fitting might now seem outdated or even misleading. In such cases, localization teams may choose to rephrase content so it flows more naturally while also staying aligned with the original tone. These updates help maintain immersion and keep players connected to the story.
- Addressing Content That No Longer Fits
In some cases, the original script may include references or portrayals that come across as insensitive or inappropriate today. Such instances might involve stereotypes, outdated jokes, or themes that haven’t aged well. Adapting these sections is often less about rewriting history and more about creating a version that resonates with current values without breaking the spirit of the game.
What to Consider Before Reworking the Original
The decision to rework content involves many considerations, including creative intent, audience expectation, and cultural awareness. Here are a few key questions that localization teams, in tandem with game devs, often weigh:
- Who is the primary audience for this remake: returning fans, new players, or both?
- Will the original phrasing be understood across today’s markets?
- Could any part of the original text cause confusion or offense if left unchanged?
- How closely does the updated localization need to reflect new voice performances or visual storytelling?
- Should the localization reflect changes in voice performances or visual style?
- How might fans respond to a revised tone, structure, or vocabulary?
Balancing these elements calls for a thoughtful strategy shaped by cultural insight, market awareness, and a clear understanding of both the original creators’ vision and the expectations of today’s players.
The Takeaway
There’s no universal formula for localizing a remake. What works for one title may not suit another. But one thing is clear: skipping localization altogether, or treating it as an afterthought, often does more harm than good.
Whether content is reworked or preserved, what matters most is how players experience the story now. Localization offers the opportunity to bridge generations and cultures, so long as it’s handled with the respect and attention that every great game deserves.
