Survey on Localization From the Development Perspective

Abstract

Localization is the adaptation of a video game at multiple levels to make it appealing for a new market and it greatly contributes to its success. Research regarding localization has been increasing for some years, but there are still close to no studies that analyze it from a development perspective. Through a survey of the developers of the video games available in Spanish on Steam (a popular video game digital distribution platform), we will show that the size and experience of the developing company influence the choice of the translator, the possibility to receive reference images, and the level of internationalization and revision applied. The sooner the localization is scheduled, the more likely the game is to be translated by a professional who can’t play the game before translating it. The results hint at a multifaceted and relatively inexperienced industry that could learn from the experience of other companies.