{"id":8948,"date":"2023-10-11T14:17:58","date_gmt":"2023-10-11T19:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terralocalizations.com\/?p=8948"},"modified":"2025-12-12T08:02:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:02:12","slug":"should-i-localize-my-game-into-english-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terralocalizations.com\/ja\/2023\/10\/11\/should-i-localize-my-game-into-english-first\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Localize My Game into English First?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Video games are created worldwide by diverse teams and can originate in any language. However, when developers want to go global, they often consider localizing<\/a> their games into English, even though it isn’t the most widely used language in gaming. Not choosing the right localization focus can be a big mistake and it\u2019s important to explore whether starting with English localization is the right choice for your game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look together.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Begin by Localizing My Game into English? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you decide to localize your game into different languages, you’ll encounter some challenges. Imagine your game was initially developed in Japanese and you aim to translate it into ten languages. Finding skilled translators proficient in both Japanese and the target languages, along with knowledge of your game’s theme can be tough. The costs for these translators<\/a> can also vary significantly due to the availability of experts in specific language pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting by translating your game into English might be a wise move as this source content is more readily translatable into other languages. It’s usually easier to find translators who can translate from English into their native language. However, this step requires caution since errors in the new version may affect other translations. To ensure quality, make sure you hire an experienced vendor and try to create resources that document the game’s original intentions, name meanings, cultural references, and changes made during the translation. This information will be invaluable, especially for languages that offer more flexibility in preserving the game’s intentions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Cultural Adaptations Matter <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Let’s go back to the example of a game developed in Japan and localized into English. Beyond language translation, cultural adaptations<\/a> are required to resonate with the new audience. These adaptations can vary for each target language, emphasizing the need for a native language consultant. This consultant can be an in-house resource or a designated point of contact to address cultural nuances in the project. Understanding each culture’s subtleties ensures that the game is not just linguistically accurate but also culturally relevant, making it more engaging for players worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering the Reach of Games in English <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Starting with English localization is a good beginning, but it shouldn’t be your final step. Consider the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n