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Video Game Translation & Localization Services

Translation for video games is one of the most traditional and extensive parts of the translation industry. Companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have done it for decades. They understand the nuances of localization for video games and the deep thought and work that goes into it. When you call us to speak about localizing your games, you are speaking to true professionals. We will be here every step of the way to provide you will translated content, voiceovers, subtitles and quality assurance through every step of the production of your game.

Afterwards, we will be sure to provide you with updates, patches and follow ups on all of the content of your games. At Day Translations, we do more than just translate. We dive deep into your world-building, dialogue, and design to deliver immersive, culturally relevant gameplay. Our game localization process considers expert in-game text translation as well as voiceover localization. Once your video game is entirely translated into its target languages, we hire local gamers, UX experts, and linguists to test it out. Any issues that affect a seamless, culturally appropriate gaming experience are detected ahead of time and fixed to ensure your players enjoy the game in any language!

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Why Localization Matters in Gaming—And What Happens When It’s Ignored.

Gaming is one of the most global industries today, with over 3 billion players worldwide. And guess what? Over half of them play in non-English languages. Localization is the key to capturing, converting, and retaining these players . Done well, it unlocks new revenue streams and improves user satisfaction. Done poorly, it can tank reviews and alienate fans.

Gamers enjoy the immersive nature of videogames, and even the smallest typo can take them out of their zone.
A top-tier game can fall flat in a new market if even one line of dialogue feels awkward, or if a joke doesn’t land due to cultural mismatch. Poor game translation services have caused everything from meme-worthy embarrassment to full-blown market flops.

Remember the infamous “All your base are belong to us” debacle? That meme may have gone viral, but it cost the Japanese video game serious credibility. Worse still, some games have faced backlash for failing to adapt sensitive imagery or idioms that unintentionally offended local audiences.

Top-notch localization agencies know it’s not just about translating your game into as many languages as possible. Instead, they source native-speaking experts to ensure the language, cultural references, and user experience are catered to the local market.
Gaming localization importance

Why Choose Day Translations for Gaming Localization?

Hiring the right localization company can make or break your game's global success. At Day Translations, we combine language expertise with an in-depth understanding of gaming culture and development. Our native-speaking translators are gamers themselves. So you can rest assured that every line of dialogue, menu prompt, and voiceover feels authentic in each language. Here are some of the reasons why game developers trust Day Translations for all their localization needs:

Native-speaking gamers translate your content

to guarantee accurate tone, slang, and gameplay context

End-to-end localization services

from in-game dialogue to dubbing, subtitles, QA, and updates

Expertise across multiple platforms

such as Unity, Unreal, Godot, CryEngine, and more

ISO 17100-certified workflows

for quality you can trust, from start to finish

Data security guaranteed,

with NDAs and secure systems to protect your IP

Agile, collaborative process:

Work with localization PMs who speak both gamer and dev

What We Localize for the Gaming Industry

Narrative & Subtitles

Storylines, jokes, emotional beats, and cultural references need to feel native. We adapt idioms, tone, and timing for each audience, so your dialogue hits home every time.

UI/UX & Prompts

Menus, tooltips, tutorials, HUDs, button labels, and system messages all guide player behavior. We localize them for clarity, brevity, and platform conventions.

Audio & Voiceover

Casting, directing, dubbing, and syncing character dialogue and game sound effects. We match voices to tone and region, ensuring immersive audio experiences.

Graphics

Images, icons, and other visual elements, including character design, might need to be adapted or replaced to avoid cultural misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Some games even adjust the skin color, clothing, and hairstyles to reflect the cultural preferences and norms of their target audience.

Game Manuals

We translate your instruction manuals, help files, as well as terms of service and privacy policies to make them accessible for your global audience.

Marketing & App Store

We localize product descriptions, trailers, metadata, app store listings, and ad campaigns to improve store rankings and boost conversion rates.

Our Gaming Localization Process

We've fine-tuned a seamless workflow for gaming localization that meets even the tightest production schedules:

Step 1: Discovery & Scoping

Step 1: Discovery & Scoping

  • Check iconTarget market research and source content analysis
  • Check iconIdentify culturally sensitive elements and needed adaptations
  • Check iconBuild a custom team of native linguists and gaming experts
Step 2: Glossary & Termbase Creation

Step 2: Glossary & Termbase Creation

  • Check iconPMs and native-speaking translators align naming conventions and terminology before the translation begins
  • Check iconA glossary is prepared and shared with the entire localization team.
Step 3: Translation & Cultural Adaptation

Step 3: Translation & Cultural Adaptation

  • Check iconHigh-quality game translation services across 100+ languages
  • Check iconCultural adaptation for games to ensure humor, tone, and story land as intended
  • Check iconTranscreation of marketing and dialogue for emotional impact
Step 4: Voiceover & Audio Integration

Step 4: Voiceover & Audio Integration

  • Check iconTranslated audio dialogue converted to voiceover or dubbing
  • Check iconVoice direction and syncing for immersive localization
  • Check iconCultural adaptation for games to ensure humor, tone, and story land as intended
Step 5: Localization Testing

Step 5: Localization Testing

  • Check iconFunctional and linguistic QA in real-game environments
  • Check iconTesting for text overflow, timing, formatting, and user experience across platforms
  • Check iconFeedback loop with your developers for continuous optimization
Step 6: Delivery & Post-Launch Support

Step 6: Delivery & Post-Launch Support

    Going Beyond Translation: Culturalization & Player Engagement

    Localization isn’t just about translation words; it’s about delivering a game experience that feels like it was designed with your unique players in mind. Our culturalization experts adapt:
    References, humor, gestures, and metaphors
    Visuals, symbolism, and color schemes
    Text boxes suitable for the written target language
    Dubbed dialogue, with trained and local-accent voiceover actors
    Player behavior norms (e.g., aggression vs. cooperation)
    Dialogue flow for natural, immersive interactions
    21st-century gamers are sensitive to cultural differences, and your video game should be, too. Keeping in mind cultural nuances and adapting your product to your players' unique cultures prevents user friction and negative reviews, keeping your players engaged and coming back for more.
    Culturalization and player engagement
    List of game genres we specialize in localization for

    Game Genres We Specialize In

    We tailor our localization services to genre-specific tone, gameplay expectations, and narrative style, including:

    Action

    Adventure

    Puzzle

    Platformer

    Horror

    Escape Room

    Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

    Strategy / RTS

    Sports

    Casual & Educational Games

    Simulation

    Shooter (FPS/TPS)

    Fighting Games

    Visual Novels

    Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

    Case Studies: How We Helped Top Game Studios Go Global

    Case Study:

    Mobile RPG Launch in LATAM

    Challenge:
    A fantasy RPG struggled with player retention in Spanish-speaking markets due to awkward dialogue and untranslated quests.
    Solution:
    We opted for transcreation, instead of mere translation, for all narrative and voice content, implementing cultural adjustments and localizing event content in real-time.
    Mobile RPG game localization
    Results:
    28%
    increase in daily active users in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia
    4.7
    App Store rating (up from 3.8)
    22%
    lower churn in first 30 days
    Case Study:

    PC Puzzle Game Localization to Japanese

    Challenge:
    Wordplay-heavy UI and in-game hints didn't land with Japanese users.
    Solution:
    Our linguists reworked puns and puzzle hints to match Japanese logic and humor.
    PC puzzle game Japanese localization
    Results:
    19K+
    downloads within first 2 months
    Featured in Japan's
    Steam storefront

    Platforms & Game Types We Support

    From indie mobile titles to AAA console blockbusters, we support the following platforms and game types:

    PC & Console (Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
    Mobile Games (iOS, Android, cross-platform)
    AR/VR Games (Meta Quest, PlayStation VR)
    Cloud & Streaming Platforms (Stadia, Luna, GeForce Now, Apple Arcade)
    Indie Engines & Retro Titles (Unity, Unreal, Godot, RPG Maker)
    Web-Based & HTML5 Games (e.g., browser-based MMOs, educational platforms)
    Smart TV & Console Companion Apps (e.g., Samsung Smart Hub, PlayStation App)
    Metaverse & Blockchain Games (e.g., Decentraland, Axie Infinity, NFT-based platforms)

    Your Game in 100+ Languages

    Thanks to our global network of 10,000+ freelance linguists, we've got experienced translators across the world ready to adapt your video game to their local audience. Here are just some of the languages we specialize in:

    A-D Languages

    Afar
    Afghan Persian
    Afrikaans
    Albanian
    Alsatian
    American
    Amharic
    Arabic
    Aramaic
    Armenian
    Assamese
    Assyrian
    Australian
    Aymara
    Azerbaijani
    Bahasa Indonesia
    Bahasa Melayu
    Baluchi
    Bandjabi
    Bangla
    Bangkok
    Bashkir
    Basque
    Belarusian
    Belarusian
    Bemba
    Bengali
    Bhojpuri
    Bicol
    Bosnian
    Breton
    Bubi
    Bulgarian
    Burmese
    Burushaski
    Cakchiquel
    Cambodian
    Cantonese
    Carolinian
    Castilian
    Catalan
    Cebuano
    Chamorro
    Chichewa
    Chuukese
    Corsican
    Creole Patois
    Crioulo
    Croatian
    Czech
    Damara
    Danish
    Dari
    Dinka
    Djerma
    Dogri
    Dutch
    Dzongkha

    As Featured In

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    Fox News Logo
    HuffPost Logo
    Inc Logo
    Forbes Logo
    Entrepreneur Logo

    FAQs

    Yes! We provide integrated localization, including voice direction, casting, and lip-syncing when required.

    We work with a wide variety: .json, .xml, .po, .xls/.csv, Unity .asset, Unreal .uasset, and custom formats via API.

    Absolutely. We support games with rolling updates, patch cycles, and early access players.

    Yes, we help translate and adapt content to meet PEGI, ESRB, CERO, and regional regulations.

    Timelines vary by scope. A small mobile game may take up 3-4 weeks; AAA titles may span months. We provide exact schedules after project scoping.

    Ready to Localize Your Game?

    Whether you’re launching your first indie hit or scaling a AAA franchise globally, Day Translations is your localization partner for games your players will love and remember.

    to level up your global game release.

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