If you have decided to reach new markets with your game, finding a video localization company is your next step. Game localization can be a tricky process, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. As a result, it can impact the success of your game overseas.
This report from Statista estimates the video game industry will surpass $138 billion by 2021. Meaning, there’s a lot of money to be made globally in this industry. If you’re ready to take a piece of the pie, localizing video game content will vastly improve your sales around the world.
So, finding the bridge between your game and new markets is of great importance. Below, is a checklist of 5 tips to help you find the perfect video game localization company.
Tip 1: Research Video Game localization companies
This might seem fairly obvious, but it’s often a step that is done incorrectly. When I say research, I mean really look into the company. Don’t go off of just what their website says. You have to scratch more than the surface!
- Try and find the answers to the following questions:
- Do they have experience with the market you are targeting?
- Do they have experience with game localization?
- What do their reviews say about them?
Tip 2: Communication is key!
If you have found a provider that you like, contact them. Call and ask any question you have. If they are a good provider, they will answer your questions without asking for your payment details. A video game localization company should understand your project, visions and goals, in order to give you tailored answers to your questions.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Specifically, about your unique game.
- Ask about their process. What quality do they ensure?
- How do they select their translators?
- How do they structure their pricing? Are there hidden fees?
Tip 3: Dedicated project managers
By working with a video game localization company that offers a dedicated project manager, you will be kept in the loop about your project. In addition, a project manager will handle the entire process, from start to finish.
Most importantly, they will act as the bridge between the studio, translators, etc and you. So, no over-promising, under-delivering. It is their job to ensure a seamless process. A good video game localization company will provide a dedicated project manager, who will go over the following:
- Settling pricing at the start and hash out any other details.
- The process of localizing your video game
- The markets you want to target in detail
- If you would like more information about other languages, they can provide a unique globalization strategy.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to say NO
Say you have found a provider, and everything was going swimmingly well. After your initial phone call, they send you an email with additional pricing info, that wasn’t mentioned or agreed upon before. Don’t be afraid to dispute the charges, ask what they are for, and say no if you don’t feel comfortable. Similarly, if you have an initial phone call and don’t want to proceed for XYZ, you don’t have to. A good provider will:
- Have an initial phone consultation and note down what you want to achieve.
- Be upfront about the pricing. In addition, explain why it is priced the way it is.
- Settle all of the details before payment is discussed.
- Send a contract with the correct information provided, prior to starting the project.
Tip 5: Ask for re-edits prior
If you have gone through the process and want changes, make sure that you have negotiated this prior, or doubled checked their policy. Many video game localization companies will add additional charges to edits, depending on the time it will take to edit, if it was a change that you had last minute, that wasn’t included prior etc. It’s important to negotiate this at the start, or at least to understand their policy. Although it is unlikely to have a change of heart at the end of the process, it happens. So, understand where you stand if this does occur.
Final thoughts
Finding a good video game localization company is key to the success of your game in different markets. By not doing so, you could harm your reputation globally, and disappoint gamers in different markets.
Whilst you will likely not encounter issues, it is important that you feel comfortable with the company you choose to work with. If you see red flags, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. At the end of the day, it’s your game and your globalization strategy. And, it should be in the best hands you can find.
