Gaming and VR Software

As online games and virtual reality platforms continue to explode in popularity, so does the need to translate them into various languages so people can experience them regardless of what country they are in or what language they speak.

We’ve previously discussed how translating and localizing software applications is a complex process.  As you can imagine, mistakes in translating gaming or VR software can have damaging consequences to a company’s reputation.

When releasing new gaming software, you want to make a worldwide impact quickly. Often you’re doing this during a narrow launch window. You want every customer to have an optimal experience no matter if they are in Japan, France, Russia, or anywhere else. So every part of the experience – from translation of game user interfaces and voiceovers to user support content and from packaging to web copy and marketing materials – has to be first-rate and correctly translated, formatted, and imported.

The large majority of apps created are still only available in English. It should be no surprise to learn however that the ones translated into local languages are downloaded more and deliver higher profits.

What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

If you know anything about translating from one language to another, you know it’s crucial to find a translation partner who meets your needs, understands your industry and type of work, and can provide case studies.

When you’re looking for a translation company to manage the translation and localization of online games and virtual reality platforms, it’s equally important that your partner understands the realities of structuring a digital product. Writing for gaming applications is not the same as writing for print. It’s far more complex.

Several problems arise when a text is mistranslated. The main challenge is one which all companies would face no matter the field. That is poor communication with clients who purchase the software. When consumers don’t understand the instructions, they get confused and frustrated. You’ll see negative reviews of your product and it’s not likely you’ll get a second chance to make things right.

When translating software, you can’t simply use a translation plugin. Sure, it can work, sort of. But the problem is the translation happens out of context. Without support from plugin developers, it won’t necessarily work at all.

Unlike other types of translation, there is one special aspect to translating software content; it’s managing tags, placeholders, and spacing. It’s also very important to use Translation Memories because software companies, specifically for games and VR have specific terminology, the use of which repeats over time.

After translation, text needs to be imported into the web. However, if the translation does not follow the same formatting of tags, placeholders, and spacing, the import will not be successful.

Even worse, if the translator or the developer does not detect the errors in time and text is passed on to a client with errors, you again create miscommunication and confusion, which equates to an unhappy gaming experience and a poor reputation in the gaming world.

Experience Matters Because Reputation Matters

As always with translation and localization, it’s important to work with experienced, professional companies so you get a high quality product. At Alpha Omega Translations, we’ve worked with many companies in the gaming and VR industry, translating platforms into Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, Italian, French, Turkish, and more.

We’re often asked how gaming and VR companies find a translation company for their online games and virtual reality platforms. Some of our clients found us on the Internet. Others came as referrals from personal contacts.

Reservoir Dev is an experienced application development company based in France. Their clients come to them to develop all kinds of apps on their behalf. They’ve done more than 80 to date. They have a lot riding on their reputation, which is why they work with us for translating and localizing those apps.

Linden Lab is another client for which we translate virtual worlds. Their first is called Second Life. You can currently explore Second Life in nine languages.

When you’re creating online games and virtual reality platforms, ensure your players are enjoying an outstanding experience, regardless of which language they speak. Request a free quote today for your software application translation.

Category: Translation Services