Localization management is not just the simple conversion of one language to another, it also involves the design & development modifications, format changes, and restructuring of the overall user experience. Translations and localization make your brand resonate with the overseas audience and eliminate communication gaps. Above all, foreign language translations make it easier for the targeted audience to comprehend the brand message. As a result, it also enhances the number of users. In simple words, localization management keeps the feel of the message real while making it localized for the native people. A game localization project manager looks forward to the localization of a game to the target audience. In the process of game localization, the project manager faces some challenges that we’ll be discussing in this article.
1.Key Attributes of A Game Localization Manager
Localization encapsulates various types of localizations such as game localization. Localization project management Platform involves the whole process of localization where the manager is the lead character.
It includes all the processes by which a video game is translated and transcreated for the people. In the past, it was the Japanese video games that caught the attention of the masses. After that, they were localized, and people grew more interested in games. For this reason, people around the globe can easily access these games.
A game localization manager is obviously responsible for organizing the whole project. With this in mind, he recruits linguists or LSPs as his primary target. Linguists or LSPs provide localization and also translation services to clients while ensuring privacy and security.
1.1. Professionalism
He needs to be professional as well as accurate in his work at all times. Integrity and discipline are in fact the core qualities of a game localization manager. A game localization project can be hectic as it requires managing a great team of linguists and developers. Moreover, managers follow certain procedures of events to localize a game.
1.2. Tech Efficient
The whole basis of a successful localization project is technology. The more the manager is adept in technology, the more smoothly the workflow goes. The manager overlooks and coordinates the whole task. He initiates and also executes the project and is responsible for the submission of reports in front of the stakeholders. Managing LSPs and game developers is a major task of the manager. As linguists and LSPs localize the game, they are of high importance to a manager.
2.Challenges – A Part of Game Localization Management
Challenges are responsible for pushing us to go beyond our limits. They excite localization project managers to work a little extra to satisfy the needs of their clients. Challenges are tricky that urge us to come up with innovative ideas. Game localization comes under the term localization project management.
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3. Obstacles Faced By the Game Localization Manager
A game localization project goes smoothly after the elimination of all the obstacles and hurdles along the way.
3.1. Unfeasible Deadlines
Sometimes clients come up with deadlines that are impossible to reach. Clients set some deadlines that are hard to meet by the managers. Game localization isn’t an easy task. Developers have to code the game in the course of localization for a specific set of audience that shares the same language. LSPs mutually work with game developers which can take time.
3.2. Legal Barrier
Laws and regulations vary from state to state. Therefore, if a certain game was originally made in Japan, it will represent the laws of Japan. Game developers certainly won’t depict anything that goes beyond Japanese law. If that same game is translated into English for Americans, LSP, and game developers have to localize the game in such a way that it doesn’t violate the American law.
3.3. Technical Restraints
Managers experience a number of problems while localizing games. The manager is present at the back end of the localization process.
3.4. Cultural Differences
The localization of a game depends on the culture of the targeted audience. Cultural differences can reduce the number of gamers while resulting in a negative impact on games.
4. Practical Solutions
For the efficient flow of game localization management, the manager has the ability to deal with all the issues. If time is the issue, the manager can easily discuss it with the client and make the problem go away. In other words, localizing a game requires matching the context of the game with the translated text. It is also the duty of a manager to comply with the cultural preferences of the targeted market. In other words, game localization management is the localization of a game in such a way that it looks like it was originally made for that audience.
5. Takeaways
In conclusion, as a game localization manager, you certainly have to meet with various ups and downs. Hard-to-meet deadlines and cultural distinctions are only a few barriers. Communication with the game developers and clients can minimize those challenges. In addition, a tech-savvy manager links with linguists to make the localization process go evenly. Therefore, he must have professional work ethics that must be depicted in his work.