As video games become a global phenomenon, developers and localization teams strive to make them accessible to diverse audiences, including the Arabic-speaking world. This is where Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) comes into play.
As a formalized variant of Arabic, MSA acts as a unifying language across regions that have unique and varied dialects, ensuring that games can reach the entire Arab-speaking community.
Understanding MSA: A Common Ground for Arab Speakers
MSA serves as a bridge language in the Arab world. While Classical Arabic is used in religious contexts, and regional dialects are the norm in everyday life, MSA is widely used in formal media, such as news, films, and video games.
Dialects can vary dramatically between regions, with an Algerian speaker, for example, struggling to understand a Syrian dialect, and vice versa. However, MSA provides a common linguistic ground. As Sara Khermane, an Arabic Language Quality Assurance (LQA) coordinator, puts it, “An Algerian like me and a Syrian like Ahmad might not understand each other’s dialects, but MSA provides that common linguistic ground.” This unifying effect makes MSA an ideal choice for video game localization, offering inclusivity across Arabic-speaking regions.
The Role of MSA in Gaming: Balancing Clarity and Rigidity
While MSA provides a consistent language base, its formality and strict grammar rules can feel stiff in dynamic gaming environments. Ahmad Ibrahim, another Arabic LQA specialist, notes, “MSA is solid and reliable, but rigid. Dialects, on the other hand, are more flexible and fun, but they also put more of the comprehension burden on the player.”
This formal tone may sometimes feel out of place, especially in genres that use modern slang or casual dialogue, but its inclusivity across the Arabic-speaking world makes it essential. Using regional dialects, such as Egyptian Arabic, as was done in Detroit: Become Human, can unintentionally alienate players from other Arabic-speaking countries (which is why doing a cultural assessment before kicking off the localization process is so important). MSA offers a more neutral approach, accessible to all.
Cultural Sensitivity in Arabic Localization
Beyond language, video game localization must consider cultural nuances. Various influences, like colonialism, have infused regional Arabic dialects with words from languages like French in Algeria or British English in Egypt. Dialects might fit in specific media, such as Egyptian and Syrian dialects dominating popular telenovelas, but in video games, MSA is more effective. It not only provides a formal tone that aligns with cultural and religious expectations but also requires fewer cultural adjustments, making games more accessible and universally relatable.
Striking the Right Balance: Simplicity vs. Effectiveness
Fortnite exemplifies effective localization by using simple MSA, making it accessible for a wide range of players. The game’s localization choices reflect cultural sensitivity. For instance, replacing terms like “gods” with “masters” aligns with regional sensitivities without compromising gameplay.
Ahmad reflects on Fortnite’s success, noting, “Fortnite uses simple but effective MSA, making it accessible to everyone, from kids to adults.” This cultural sensitivity, combined with MSA’s accessibility, has propelled Fortnite to become a hit across the Middle East, where it’s among the most played games since its launch in 2017.
The Takeaway
MSA offers video game developers a way to connect with the diverse Arabic-speaking community. By balancing linguistic inclusivity with cultural sensitivity, MSA allows games to reach a wide audience, creating a unified, respectful, and relatable gaming experience across the Arab world. Through careful localization, games can resonate with a new audience and become cultural phenomena, fostering deeper connections with players across regions.