We live in an era that is defined by volume. The population is constantly growing and so is the demand for technology. Mobile gaming is a leisure activity that is constantly in the limelight because of its ease of accessibility. Nearly half of the global population plays games be it casual, serious, indie, AAA, or whatever. We have seen many gaming crazes come and go, for example, Candy Crush, Ludo Star, Angry Birds, Pokemon, Flappy Birds, etc. What made these games a global phenomenon was professional software localization services. Such services helped in making the game more accessible to foreign audiences.
Today we will talk about some of the more popular mobile games whose localization strategy helped rank them in various countries. Along with that, it is important to notice how mobile app translation services also play a role in promoting games in various regions.
How Does Game App Translation Help Expand Reach?
Translating your mobile games opens up more opportunities to monetize your games. For instance, Esports in Japan and Finland regularly have mobile gaming tournaments for various genre-based games.
New Audience Targeting
Think about it, there are billions of people worldwide, and only a small percentage speak English fluently. By offering your game in their native language, you’re welcoming a whole new pool of potential players who might not have even considered your app otherwise. Simple mobile app translation services can potentially unlock millions of dollars of revenue from in-game items, subscriptions, tournaments, AdSense, and more.
Boosts Engagement
Imagine playing a game where you can’t quite understand the instructions or the story. Frustrating, right? Localization goes beyond just translation. It involves adapting the content to resonate with the cultural context of the target audience. This makes the game more engaging and enjoyable for them.
Improves App Store Visibility
Many app stores allow you to localize your app description and keywords. This can significantly increase your app’s discoverability in those regions, as people are more likely to search for games in their own language.
In short, game app translation helps you connect with a wider audience on a deeper level, ultimately leading to more downloads and a more successful game.
Successfully Localized Popular Mobile Games
Popular games can be a relative concept based on preferences. The most important preference is genre favoritism. While many people love Call of Duty and PUBG, there is a class of gamers who prefer casual/indie games. A reason why Candy Crush and Angry Birds had so much hype. Professional software localization services can really be a game changer and game maker.
Genshin Impact (RPG)
This open-world action RPG features stunning visuals, a captivating story, and a diverse cast of characters. Mihoyo, the developer behind the game, has invested heavily in localization, ensuring the game is enjoyable for players worldwide. The game features the text and voice acting in multiple languages, along with cultural references and events specific to different regions.
Pokémon Go (AR)
This location-based augmented reality game was a global phenomenon when it was first released in 2016. Niantic, the developer of the game, has continued to update and improve it over the years, and localization has been a key part of that process. The game is now available in over 30 languages, and Niantic has held events and introduced features that cater to specific regions.
Call of Duty: Mobile (FPS)
This mobile version of the popular Call of Duty franchise is a fast-paced and action-packed shooter. Activision, the publisher of the game, has localized it for a global audience, with text and voice acting in multiple languages. The game also features regional maps and characters.
Candy Crush Saga (Puzzle)
This match-three puzzle game is a global sensation, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. King, the developer of Candy Crush Saga, has always been mindful of cultural sensitivities when localizing the game. For example, they avoid using imagery or references that might be offensive in certain cultures. They’ve also adapted the game’s difficulty to suit the preferences of different regions.
PUBG Mobile (FPS)
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG Mobile) is a battle royale phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Tencent Games, the developer behind the mobile version, understands the importance of staying relevant in different markets. They constantly collaborate with local partners to tailor the game experience for each region. This includes introducing region-specific events, in-game items, and even playable characters.
Final Thoughts
By employing a planned localization strategy for marketing, gameplay, and user experience. You can unlock the true potential of your mobile game and make it suitable for a global audience. Remember, it’s not just about translation, it is all about creating a truly immersive experience that resonates with players from all corners of the world. Hence, you need to take the leap and go all out on proper localization. But remember not to do it blindly! You should carefully plan your strategy, perhaps even consult with professionals.
One of the most renowned examples of successful localization in mobile gaming is “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” by Square Enix. Originally developed in Japan, the game was localized for global audiences with meticulous attention to cultural nuances, language, and gameplay preferences. This approach was crucial in ensuring that the game resonated equally well across diverse markets worldwide.
The success of “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” can be attributed to several key localization strategies. Firstly, the game’s storyline, characters, and dialogue were translated accurately while preserving the essence of the original Japanese narrative. This ensured that players from different linguistic backgrounds could engage deeply with the game’s rich storyline and character development.
Secondly, the localization team adapted gameplay mechanics to suit the preferences of global audiences. This included adjusting difficulty levels, balancing in-game economies, and incorporating events and updates that catered to the expectations and playing habits of players outside Japan.
Moreover, the localization of “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” extended beyond mere translation, encompassing localized marketing strategies, customer support, and community engagement efforts. These comprehensive localization efforts not only facilitated broader player engagement but also contributed significantly to the game’s commercial success in international markets.
