Professional video game localization – for global releases and maximum player reach.
Professional video game localization – for global releases and maximum player reach.
Localization for the video game industry
The gaming industry is growing rapidly: games are becoming increasingly elaborate, complex, and realistic – and are being released worldwide at the same time. For games to be successful in international markets, they must be perfectly suited to the target audience in terms of language and culture. KERN supports video game developers and publishers with professional translation and localization services, enabling their games to be played and enjoyed all over the world.
Game texts, dialogs, and UI elements – technically flawlessly localized for simultaneous launches in multiple markets and on all platforms.
Complete country versions with translated text, customized user interface, and professional voice-overs for maximum market penetration.
Store entries, additional content, and technical descriptions – clearly prepared for international target markets and smooth distribution.
Terminology, quality standards, and localization processes – sustainably standardized for recurring releases and update cycles.
Are you interested in translation or interpreting services in the gaming sector?
The translation challenges in the gaming industry
The gaming industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of digital entertainment and is growing rapidly worldwide. At KERN, we have extensive experience in the translation and localization of video games – from the first menu line to the complete country version. Over the years, we have specialized in the following areas in particular:
- Story and dialogCredible characters, natural dialog, and consistent narrative language in every target language
- User interface and menus Clearly worded UI texts, buttons, and system messages with limited space and fixed layout specifications
- Cultural localization Adapting allusions, humor, symbols, and references to the expectations of the respective gaming community
- Terminology and game mechanics Consistent naming of items, abilities, levels, and game systems across all platforms and releases
Our gaming services at a glance
From menus and in-game texts to technical documentation and game soundtracks: we localize your content consistently, immersively, and in a way that is tailored to your target audience.
Game texts and menus
For a consistent gaming experience, all visible text in the game must be clear and consistent – from the main menu to error messages.
What we translate:
- Game menus and user interfaces (UI texts)
- In-game texts, hints, and tooltips
- Error messages and system messages
Special features:
- Precise, concise wording with limited characters
- Consistent terminology across all menus and platforms
Complete localization
Localization means that games are adapted to the target market not only linguistically, but also culturally.
What we localize:
- Content that takes cultural circumstances and local characteristics into account
- References, idioms, and humor that must work in the target language
Special features:
- Removal or adaptation of cultural symbols to make games accessible to diverse audiences worldwide
- Maximizing global accessibility without losing the game atmosphere
Technical descriptions and documentation
In addition to the game itself, there are technical texts that must be understood correctly in order to comprehend game mechanics and functions.
What we translate:
- Technical descriptions and instructions
- Documentation on game mechanics and features
Special features:
- Clear, understandable language for users and technical teams
- Accurate representation of technical relationships in the game context
Game scoring
Professional voice acting contributes significantly to immersion. Voices, sound, and timing must match the game world and the target language.
What we take care of:
- Voice acting for game characters in different languages
- Coordination of speakers and recordings
Special features:
- Authentic and engaging gaming experience in every language
- Close coordination of text, timing, and audio files
Additional language services for the gaming industry
KERN’s activities are not limited to the translation of gaming content, but also include comprehensive support for your multilingual communication – from in-game localization to marketing, support, and community.
Terminology management for games
Working closely with you, KERN takes over or creates customized databases, glossaries, and terminology lists that are specifically geared toward technical translations for computer games. Using advanced tools, technical terms are extracted and customized terminology databases are developed that are precisely tailored to the dynamic world of the gaming industry.
This ensures that the language used in your games remains consistent across versions and platforms – from UI elements to item names.
Our terminology service includes:
- Development and maintenance of game-specific databases and glossaries
- Ensuring accurate, consistent terminology across all languages
Gaming translations: full support for video game creators
The gaming industry has grown rapidly in recent years, not least because of technological advances in the field of hardware: video games are becoming more elaborate, complex and realistic. The market is correspondingly competitive all over the world.
FAQs about technical translations for computer games
You will find answers to the most important questions and technical translations for computer games here shortly.
What activities does KERN Global Language Services perform in the localization of computer games?
KERN Global Language Services offers a comprehensive range of services for the localization of computer games, including:
Game menu translation: Precise and professional translation of the entire game menu to ensure a flawless user experience in different languages.
Localization: Bringing the game up to speed with cultural requirements, local nuances and linguistic nuances to maximize global accessibility.
Removal of cultural symbols: Sensitive customization and removal of cultural symbols to make the games accessible to various audiences worldwide.
Technical descriptions: Accurate translation and adaptation of technical descriptions to ensure that game mechanics and instructions are properly understood.
Adding sound to vision for games: Professional adding of sound to vision for game characters to provide an authentic and attractive gaming experience in different languages.
Our full range of services goes beyond just the above to ensure that every detail of your game localization meets the highest standards.
Through our experience in the industry, we ensure consistently high quality and draw on a wealth of experience gained from numerous successfully completed projects. Trust KERN Global Language Services to provide top quality localization of your computer games.
How do terminology databases support specialized translations and localizations for computer games?
We work closely with you to adopt or create customized databases, glossaries and terminology lists that specifically target the needs of specialist computer game translations. We use advanced tools to extract specialist terms and develop customized terminology databases that precisely match the dynamic world of the gaming industry. Our comprehensive range of terminology management services includes:
- Software-assisted terminology extraction: Accurate extraction of gaming-specific terms using sophisticated software solutions.
- Build specific terminology databases: Develop customized databases that reflect the unique language and technical terminology of the gaming industry to ensure consistent and authentic localization.
- Cleaning up and maintenance of terminology databases: Continuous monitoring, updating and maintenance of your gaming-specific terminology data to ensure quality and consistency.
Our expertise in computer game translations ensures that your terminology is accurate, consistent and up-to-date. Rely on KERN Global Language Services for a reliable and professional terminology service that focuses on the specific needs of the gaming industry.
What modern translation technologies are used?
Powerful Web-based API: Our advanced web-based API not only provides efficient and standardized file transfer and processing, but also provides a robust solution for handling large orders.
Flexible and streamlined management of large orders: Thanks to the adaptability of our platform, we enable you to flexibly and efficiently manage even demanding large orders.
Portal solution portal4client™: Our portal4client™ online platform gives you access to an innovative solution that not only provides seamless connection to translation memory, but also enables you to manage your translation projects in the best possible way.
term4client™: Terminology management: Leverage term4client™ to easily manage your terminology assets. This ensures a consistent and accurate linguistic representation of your content, ensuring consistent communication.
Rely on our state-of-the-art solutions designed to effectively meet your translation needs and keep you up and running.
What file formats are used when localizing computer games?
Different file formats are used in the localization of computer games to ensure smooth integration and translation. Our expertise spans a variety of formats, including:
- REST/SOAP (via API): By connecting via REST or SOAP (via API), we enable seamless integration into your game development processes.
- Javascript and properties: Localization of Javascript and properties files ensures a precise linguistic adaptation in the development process.
- JSON: JSON file format processing is an essential step to effectively implement localization and make it globally accessible.
- XML: Adapting XML files is a key aspect of successfully localizing computer games.
- XLIFF: The use of XLIFF file formats supports standardized and efficient management of translation resources.
- CSV: Localization of CSV files ensures easy handling and accurate translation of language modifications.
- RESX: The integration of .RESX file formats enables the effective localization of resources in .NET applications.
- .po (PHP): Customizing .po files (PHP) is critical to ensuring smooth localization of PHP-based games.
With our extensive know-how, we are able to make the most of the diversity of these file formats and guarantee you efficient localization of your games.
How do terminology databases support specialized translations and localizations for computer games?
In the area of computer game translation, we are committed to the highest quality standards and are proud to meet the following certifications, norms and standards:
DIN EN ISO 9001:2015: This internationally recognized standard confirms our high quality in quality management to ensure that our translation processes meet the highest standards.
ISO 17100:2015: As a certified translation agency, we meet the requirements of ISO 17100:2015, which has been developed specifically for translation services and ensures the quality of our linguistic services.
ISO 18587:2017: The ISO 18587:2017 standard refers to the post-editing requirements for machine translation. By complying with this standard, we ensure that machine translations are of the highest quality.
EcoVadis (CSR Rating Silver): Our silver rating at EcoVadis confirms our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business practices in the game translation industry.
United Nations Global Compact: As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, we subscribe to the principles of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and the fight against corruption. In doing so, we are contributing to a sustainable global economy.
These certifications and standards reflect our commitment to the highest quality, ethical responsibility and continuous improvement in the world of computer game translation.