84929 - Game and Software Localization (CL1)

Learning outcomes

The student - has an in-depth knowledge of the professional strategies, techniques, methods and tools of software and videogame localization - is able to apply them to the adaptation of complex digital applications including different genres and text types, between English and Italian, complying with media accessibility requirements - knows the main techniques required for information mining, drafting, editing and revising textual content, including the overall linguistic quality evaluation of the adapted videogame or software product

Course contents

The Game Localization module introduces the concept of localization in the video games industry and its unique features and challenges in the progressive technologization of contemporary translation practices. The students will learn about the different texts translators have to deal with in a typical l10n project (script, ingame, tutorial, and so on) and the best approach to each of them. Therefore, several topics and issues will be addressed, such as: transcreation, variables/placeholders, gender neutral translation, the creation of a specific lexicon, characters and length restrictions, bug prevention, and specific rules/practices translators are expected to apply in gaming projects. Further topics covered: "collective localization", shared online TMs, the most widely used CAT tools, Q&A management, relationships with l10n agencies and/or developers, how to become a localization specialist (freelance or inhouse).

 

SoftLoc:

- Introduction to Internationalization

- Internationalization and Localization

- Translation editors and tools

- Style guides and conventions

- Hands on the localization of software

Readings/Bibliography

Games localization is a relatively new branch of translation, and it's evolving very quickly. Therefore, there's not yet (and maybe there'll never be) a standard bibliography illustrating all the challenges game localization specialists are facing every day and offering insight on how to tackle them effectively. Here's a selection of some introductory texts. For the most recent challenges and translation practices, please refer to the handout/lecture notes provided by the lecturer.

Bernal-Merino, M. (2006), "On the Translation of Video Games" http://www.jostrans.org/issue06/art_bernal.php

Bernal-Merino, M. (2007) "Challenges in the translation of video games". http://www.fti.uab.es/tradumatica/revista/num5/articles/02/02art.htm

Bernal-Merino, M. (2015), Translation and Localisation in Video Games: Making Entertainment Software Global, Routledge Advances in Translation and Interpreting Studies Chandler, H. M. (2005), The Game Localization Handbook, Charles River Media

Mangiron, C. (2006) "Video games Localisation: Posing new challenges to the translator" https://www.academia.edu/6914885/Game_Localisation_Posing_New_Challenges_to_the_Translator

Monacelli C. (2001), Traduzione, revisione e localizzazione nel terzo millennio: da e verso l'inglese, Franco Angeli

Muñoz Sánchez, P., López Sánchez, R. (2017), The ins and outs of the video game localization process for mobile devices https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/tradumatica/tradumatica_a2016n14/tradumatica_a2016n14p16.pdf

O'Hagan, M.; Mangiron, C. (2013) Game Localization: Translating for the global digital entertainment industry, Benjamin Translation Library

Tarquini, G. (2014). “Translating the Onscreen Text blindfolded”, in Fun for All: Translation and Accessibility Practices in Video Games, C. Mangiron, P. Orero & M. O'Hagan (eds.), Peter Lang, Bern. pp. 149-174

 

SoftLoc:

Esselink B., A Practical Guide to Localization, John Benjamins Publishing Co., 2000, ISBN 9027219567

GNU gettext tools, version 0.19.8.1.515-

e50fa. Native Language Support Library and Tools

Edition 0.19.8.1.515-e50fa, 28 April 2019

https://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/manual/gettext.pdf

AA. VV., Italian Style Guide, Redmond, Microsoft Corporation, Feb 2019

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/StyleGuides

Android localization guide

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/resources/localization

Teaching methods

The lessons will be run as face-to-face workshops, including theoretical introductions (by the teacher) as well as practical analysis of texts from recently published video games. Students will be asked to translate strings from real video games and will be encouraged to discuss translation options, aimed at stimulating critical thinking, brainstorming and creativity. This way they'll hone the skills clients require to professional games localizators. Attendance of at least 70% of all scheduled class meetings is mandatory.

 

SoftLoc: 

The course will be a combination of seminar and practical sessions. In either case, active participation of the students will be expected. The practical sessions will mostly imply translation from English into Italian. Desktop software and mobile apps will be included.

Assessment methods

Students will be assessed on their command of strategies and techniques for translation in the video games field, as well as on their ability to tackle terminology and creative challenges. In the end of course translation test, they'll be asked to translate video games strings (about 400-500 words in total) including both script and ingame texts. Students will have 2 hours to complete the test and they'll be able to use CAT tools and any resources that have been collected and built during the course, as well as dictionaries, glossaries and documents available on the Internet.

SoftLoc:

The students will be evaluated on a final practical exercise. They will most likely pursue the localization of a small user interface.

Teaching tools

Bibliography, lecture notes/handout, exercises in Excel/MemoQ format, computer, video games. Several professionals in the games localization field from all over the world will be invited to integrate lessons, illustrate some of the concepts presented during workshops and interact with students, who will learn strategies and skills directly from highly specialized translators/PMs/team leaders/managers.

SoftLoc: 

Bibliography, lecture notes/handouts, exercises

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Pezzoli

See the website of Luis Alberto Barron Cedeno