Real-Life Game Localization Analysis and Examples of 2023

Gaming

We are writing this piece in October 2023. Usually before this month, all the hot releases are out but like every other industry, the gaming industry is also going through a major change. The industry’s prevalent tradition of releasing new games, versions, or upgrades near the weekend is shifted toward the summer or spring release. Furthermore, talking about the summer release, what a year the gaming sector has been. People agree that this is the best year the gaming sector has experienced in the last 10 to 15 years.

Before diving into the deep ocean of real-life game localization and its potential benefits, we are going to discuss a realistic example of game localization.

The Realistic Cost Estimation of Game Localization in 2023

Because of a fluid spectrum of factors that can influence the cost estimation of game localization, it is unrealistic to provide an exact cost estimation. However, below are some factors that come into play when we talk about game localization.

• The Language Pairs You Choose
• The Internal and Essential Elements of The Game (Marketing Content, Dialogues, In-Game Text, UI Elements)
• Choice of Human or Machine Translation
• Required Translation Quality and Respective Expertise
• The Total Amount of Required Translations
• The Consensus on Stipulated Delivery Time
• Requirements of Glossaries and Style Guide
• Translation Memories
• Discussion on Graphical Memories
• Language and Functional Testing and their Requirements

These are some of the most common factors that come into play when we are going through the game localization process. Make sure to complete your R&D process vigilantly before choosing a professional translation agency.

Real-Life Example of Video Game Localization and Increased ROI

There are dozens of successful examples of game localization implementation available like PUBG but we think Ubisoft offers the best example with verified figures and ROI insights.

The Industry-Leading French Company: Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a French giant in the gaming industry. There are many examples of its success in the global gaming industry. One example could be Ubisoft’s international success in the Assasin Creed series. The attributions of the French gaming giant resonate across the globe. Obviously, there are many factors behind its international success. However, we are going to discuss the contributions of localization in its global marketing. Furthermore, we will analyze the ROI share of localization efforts and its results.

Top ROI Generation of Ubisoft

Let’s start with its recent successful release, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The setting of this game is the era of the Vikings’ invasion of Europe. Eivor is the main character and is shown constantly traveling across different countries. These countries have different languages and Eivor continues to interact in different languages.

Ubisoft has not only acquired the services of elite gaming translation services but also translated the localization strategy into a worldwide success.

• The French gaming company has translated the main language of the Evio (protagonist) into 14 different languages.
• Moreover, they have also recreated the archaic languages of Old English, Gaelic, Britonnic, and Norse. Subsequently potentially arming the game environment with erotic linguistic “immersiveness”.

Localization and Linguistic Diversity of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

There is no doubt that translating the core language of the game into the 14 languages is let alone a daunting and costly task. If we ignore the recreation of the ancient languages. But the real question is was it worth it or not? Let’s have a look at some fascinating numbers and facts about the available languages in the game of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

The Revenue of Ubisoft and the Part of Localization

The co-founder of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot stated that Assassin’s Creed made $1 billion in revenue generation. If we realistically think then we cannot credit the whole revenue generation process to the localization, So let’s try to speak some sense into the ROI part of game localization.

Based on the revenue report issued by Ubisoft, we can clearly indicate that 64% of its revenue is made from global markets. Europe let alone generated 36% of the part from the overall ROI. These figures are huge when we compare them to the overall software translation.

Key Takeaways from the Ubisoft Analysis

In this short analysis, we have only discussed the ROI of game localization, but there is a hefty amount that is paid to the translation agency. Below are the key benefits of gaming localization.

• Potentially Multiplying Your User/Player Base
• Increased Player Retention Rate
• Higher Word-of-Mouth-Marketing
• Higher Chances of In-Game Monetisation
• Efficient Localization Always Translates to Increased ROI

Conclusion

All in all, game localization is the one-stop solution for all of your global expansion-related linguistic and cultural issues. Moreover, if executed efficiently, it can definitely increase your ROI and provide you with the ideal jumpstart in the global market. If you want to market your software or games to international markets, you must consider acquiring the services of a professional localization service.