How Much To Pay For The Game Localization?

So, this article shall focus on how much to pay for game localization. The price to pay for the game localization is determined by some factors. However, the cost for game localization will usually differ from one company to another – so, the following tips will help you make an informed decision on how much to pay for the game localization.

What is Localization?

The art of localization refers to the process of translating game texts and converting them to the culture of the country or region where the game is intended for. The localization process will always include translation, editing, voice recording, and proofreading.

Other areas captured under the localization process are integration, regional adaptations, marketing plan and models, and linguistic quality assurance (LQA)

Usually, the pay for the game localization across the globe is not up to 1 percent of the total cost of developing the game. However, game localization is essential because it will increase revenue for the developer. This is so because there will be an increase in the number of users and the advantage of penetrating a new market environment.

What Determines Price In Game Localization?

The timeframes and price to pay for the game localization are determined based on word count – except for the Asian languages where the price is based on the number of characters present in the text.

So, it might be difficult to arrive at a price because different companies will require additional information like the game's complexities and others like the number of repetitions. From

However, the average rate for most of the common languages ranges between $0.13 to $0.20 – it is good to note that these rates are only estimates and might differ from one translation company to another company.

Besides, some companies might have minimum amounts on orders. Also, it is advisable to check out for bank commissions on money transferred – clarifying who settles the commission (the game localization agency or you).

Source

Testing The Localized Version of the Game

This is another spot that determines how much to pay for the game localization. It involves checking the game for localization bugs, graphics, and other forms of technicalities. The testing cost is determined by the total hours required to complete the game. Also, it could involve the time required to correct the lockit and fill out a bug report.

The average price required for testing your game in the most common languages (Italian, Russian, English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, etc) ranges between $14 to $40.

How to Reduce Your Game Localization Cost

• Reduction in your word count

• Use more pictograms than text in the game

• Do thorough research on the target language for localization

Final Thoughts

Professional services are often required in-game localization – this might cost more initially but in the long run, keeps the cost down because it will prevent future works and reviews on the game.

Besides, you could reduce your pay for the game localization by accumulating your localization tasks rather than doing small update localizations. Therefore, it is more economical to accumulate your localization tasks for more value.