Our recommended localization best practices for game developers
Think about localization from the very beginning, before even building the game. This will allow you to build your localization files from the ground up so that they can be translated as effectively as possible.
Make sure that the string order makes sense from a translation perspective. For example, group all the items together, group the weapons together, group the dialog text together, etc. If text categories are mixed up, it will make them very difficult to translate.
Build extra contextual information into the localization files, as shown in the
downloadable sample file we provide here.
Design the text strings for maximum flexibility—remember that the translators may need to change the word order for other languages. One sentence should never be split into two separate strings. For example, a string like “You obtain {0} from the {1}” can be split into “You obtain” and “from the” in English without any trouble. However, those strings will be in a fixed order in the game, and that could make it impossible to translate the sentence into other languages.
Use unique string IDs—if the same word or bit of text appears in different contexts throughout the game, make sure that each instance has its own string ID. Although the same word might make sense in English in both cases, other languages might require two different words.
For example, the word “apply” can have several different meanings. You can apply to a guild, apply an upgrade, apply a bandage… but other languages will need a different verb for each of these concepts. Without separate (and clearly labeled) string IDs for each of them, the result would be linguistic chaos!
We’ve said it already, but it’s worth repeating:
the more context, the better. Storylines, backstory, images, character characteristics, and clear context IDs make it easier for translators to do their jobs well. When they have that information, they can spend less time puzzling out the meaning of a text string and more time polishing and refining their translation! The end result? Localizations that feel natural, play smoothly, and give your players a great experience overall.